from Religion Media Centre
The Scottish parliament will vote tomorrow (Tuesday) on the assisted dying bill, which was debated for four days last week with 175 amendments.
MSP Liam McArthur, who brought forward the bill, said it was now “bulletproof”, with extra safeguards introduced. A doctor must carry out an assessment in private, doctors must find out if the patient is receiving social or mental health care, and palliative and hospice care must be discussed with the patient.
But the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland withdrew support saying there was an unacceptable lack of clarity and scrutiny over protections for healthcare workers.
Mr McArthur has argued that “without safe access to this choice we would be condemning a number of dying people to unimaginable suffering”.
The Catholic Church, the Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland have urged MSPs to reject the bill. There are fears that vulnerable people may be under pressure, people may end their lives because they feel like a burden, and there is concern over the impact on people with disabilities.
In May 2025, MSPs passed the first stage of the bill by 70 votes in favour, to 56 against.