MSPs to begin to consider final amendments on assisted dying bill

MSPs are preparing to consider around 300 amendments to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill today.  

It is the first of three sessions that are all expected to last until 10pm. 

If passed, the legislation would allow terminally ill, mentally competent adults to seek to end their lives.  

The bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, is expected to go to a final vote next week.  

In May last year, the legislation passed the stage one vote by 70 to 56, but many MSPs and campaign groups have raised concerns over safeguards and the potential for coercion.  

The current proposals would require two independent medical professionals to confirm a person is terminally ill and has mental capacity before assistance can be provided.  

McArthur has indicated support for one of the amendments, which would limit access to those with six months or less to live.  

Ahead of the beginning of stage three proceedings, he said: “By the time it reaches its final vote my bill will have had five years of development and scrutiny. Over that time, it has drawn record levels of public consultation and engagement with stakeholders as well as going through a comprehensive parliamentary process. 

“It has in place clear safeguards against coercion which are tried and tested in countries like Australia and New Zealand.  

“The new law cannot come into force until protections for medical staff who wish not to take part are enshrined in law. There will also be the opportunity to add further protections this week through amendments, including ones that would require someone to be assessed as having less than six months to live in order to be eligible, an approach I will be supporting. 

“MSPs must not hunt for excuses to kick the can down the road, as this issue is certainly not going away. This is the right bill at the right time. It's time to give terminally ill Scots that compassionate choice.” 

The legislation has already been subject to several amendments, including raising the minimum age a person can seek to end their life from 16 to 18. Eligible adults must also have been a resident of Scotland for at least 12 months and be registered with a Scottish GP.  

In May last year, First Minister John Swinney said before the stage one vote that he would not support the legislation.  

At the time, he explained he believes the legislation would “fundamentally alter the relationship between patients and clinicians”, which would “undermine” the role of medical professionals. 

He also expressed concern that the most vulnerable people in society might opt for assisted dying because they feel like they are burdening loved ones or the NHS, and that he is not “sufficiently confident” that the provisions would not go beyond what is currently proposed. 

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has also said he will oppose the bill.  

Yesterday, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay confirmed he would vote against the bill, after supporting it at stage one.  

He said he is concerned about the potential for people to be coerced into ending their lives and that it could lead to a “slippery slope” in which eligibility is extended over time.