MSPs to Vote on Assisted Dying Legislation Amid Outpouring of Support and Concern

Strategic Insights -

Actress Liz Carr has urged MSPs to vote against assisted dying legislation in the Scottish Parliament, citing concerns over the broad definition of a terminal illness. Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur, who sponsors the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, remains hopeful that his colleagues will back the general principles of the legislation. The Bill would allow those at the advanced stage of a terminal illness to seek help to end their life. However, opponents of the Bill have rallied outside Holyrood, fearing that it could lead to vulnerable individuals feeling pressured to prematurely end their lives.

Key Takeaways:

  • Actress Liz Carr, a wheelchair user, has urged MSPs to vote against assisted dying legislation due to concerns over the broad definition of a terminal illness.
  • Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur's Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill would allow those at the advanced stage of a terminal illness to seek help to end their life.
  • Opponents of the Bill fear that it could lead to vulnerable individuals feeling pressured to prematurely end their lives.
  • Polling has shown that the public has serious concerns about the implications of a law change for vulnerable groups, even those who might support it in principle.
  • Dr. Miro Griffiths, spokesman for Better Way, has urged MSPs to oppose the assisted suicide Bill, citing concerns over its safety and workability.

Statistics:

  • 10 years have passed since the last opportunity for the Scottish Parliament to consider a Bill on assisted dying.
  • Public support for changing the law on assisted dying is seen as a groundswell, with supporters arguing that the current ban leads to suffering for people at the end of their lives and their families.
  • According to polling, 45% of the public have serious concerns about the implications of a law change for vulnerable groups (Source: Better Way).
  • The Bill is expected to face several votes, including a Stage One vote on Tuesday evening and further votes at the committee stage and in the chamber before it could become law.

Sources:

  • "MSPs urged to reject 'flawed' assisted dying bill" by Maureen McGowen, The Scotsman, May 12, 2025
  • "Assisted dying: Disabled people 'under pressure' to end lives" by David Macmillan, Scottish Daily Mail, May 12, 2025
  • "Assisted Suicide: The Facts" by Better Way, May 2025