A set of placards held in the hands of campaigners reading "Back Assisted Dying" and "Back Choice and Compassion"

Humanist Society vows to “keep fighting” for end-of-life choice after assisted dying bill falls at final vote

March 17, 2026

Assisted Dying

MSPs have chosen not to back Liam McArthur’s assisted dying bill for Scotland.

We’re extremely disappointed that MSPs have voted against legalising assisted dying for Scotland. Liam McArthur’s assisted dying bill was rejected at Holyrood by 69 votes to 57.

This bill was the product of years of campaigning and research into best practice from around the world. It was also subject to intense scrutiny at Scottish parliament, including more than 80 hours of debate and 250 amendments agreed. This makes it all the more frustrating and disappointing that MSPs have chosen to vote it down.

However, Humanist Society Scotland’s campaigning doesn’t stop here. We will continue, as we have done for decades, to campaign for choice, compassion and control for dying people in Scotland, and for an end to needless trauma and suffering for families.

Our CEO Fraser Sutherland said:

“We are heartbroken by tonight’s decision by MSPs. But this debate doesn’t end here. We will keep fighting for end-of-life choice, for compassion and control for terminally ill people, and for an end to needless trauma and suffering.

“Assisted dying laws for terminally ill people are in place all around the world. It has been proven time and time again that they pose no risk to vulnerable and disabled people. We are bitterly disappointed that misinformation and fearmongering on this point seems to have swung the vote on this occasion. But we are sure it won’t be the last. Irrespective of tonight’s vote, a safe and compassionate assisted dying law is the settled will of the Scottish people.

“Humanism stands for human rights, bodily autonomy, and the inherent dignity and worth of all people. It’s inconceivable that we wouldn’t keep fighting for assisted dying on those terms. Watch this space.”

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