The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) bill fell on March 10 with 69 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) voting against and 57 in favor, short of the 64 votes required to pass.
Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, who tabled the bill, called the result “devastating” but said the conversation “isn’t going away.” McArthur has championed assisted dying since his re-election in 2021 and serves as one of Holyrood’s deputy presiding officers. He will need to be re-elected on May 7 to bring the issue forward again, reports the BBC.
The legislation underwent intense scrutiny, including 175 stage-three amendments. MSPs debated the bill passionately, with some speaking for the last time before the upcoming election. The measure is the third attempt to legalize assisted dying in Scotland over the past 16 years.
Independent MSP Margo MacDonald first proposed similar legislation in 2010, which was rejected 85–16. A second bill from Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie was defeated 82–36 in 2015. Last year, MSPs approved the bill’s general principles by 70–56.
Campaigners and opponents highlighted concerns over palliative care and protections for vulnerable people. Many MSPs argued Scotland should strengthen social care and end-of-life support before changing the law. McArthur stressed that assisted dying and palliative care are “not an either/or choice” and said the debate “shone a light” on the palliative care sector.
Toby Porter, chief executive of UK Hospice, said questions remain about Scotland’s capacity to care for terminally ill patients. “Assisted dying may not be coming to Scotland, but investing in hospice and palliative care must happen regardless: it is critical to ensure choice, dignity and compassion at the end of life,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government reaffirmed its commitment to improving end-of-life care. A spokesperson said it “remains committed” to ensuring everyone who needs it can “access well co-ordinated, compassionate and high-quality palliative and end-of-life care.”
Toby Porter, chief executive of UK Hospice, said questions remain about Scotland’s capacity to care for terminally ill patients. “Assisted dying may not be coming to Scotland, but investing in hospice and palliative care must happen regardless: it is critical to ensure choice, dignity and compassion at the end of life,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Scottish government reaffirmed its commitment to improving end-of-life care. A spokesperson said it “remains committed” to ensuring everyone who needs it can “access well co-ordinated, compassionate and high-quality palliative and end-of-life care.”