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The Scottish Parliament voted 69 to 57 to reject the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill on March 17, 2026, with one abstention. The bill had been introduced by Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur.

The Scottish Parliament voted 69 to 57 to reject the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill on March 17, 2026, with one abstention. The bill had been introduced by Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur.

The bill would have allowed terminally ill adults with mental capacity, assessed by two doctors and reasonably expected to die within six months, to request assistance to end their own lives. A 14-day reflection period and a 12-month Scottish residency requirement were among the safeguards included.

The bill would have allowed terminally ill adults with mental capacity, assessed by two doctors and reasonably expected to die within six months, to request assistance to end their own lives. A 14-day reflection period and a 12-month Scottish residency requirement were among the safeguards included.

MSPs debated and voted on more than 300 amendments to the bill in total, including 175 in the week before the final vote. The bill was given a free vote, meaning MSPs were not directed by party whips.

MSPs debated and voted on more than 300 amendments to the bill in total, including 175 in the week before the final vote. The bill was given a free vote, meaning MSPs were not directed by party whips.

First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar all personally opposed the bill. Several MSPs who had previously supported the bill switched their position before the final vote.

First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar all personally opposed the bill. Several MSPs who had previously supported the bill switched their position before the final vote.

Opponents of the bill, including the Care Not Killing campaign group, said it posed risks to vulnerable people such as the disabled and those experiencing domestic abuse. The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society also withdrew support after protections for medical workers were removed.

Opponents of the bill, including the Care Not Killing campaign group, said it posed risks to vulnerable people such as the disabled and those experiencing domestic abuse. The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society also withdrew support after protections for medical workers were removed.

The bill's defeat marked the third time the Scottish Parliament had rejected assisted dying legislation in 16 years, following rejections in 2010 and 2015. A parallel bill for England and Wales passed the House of Commons but faced significant opposition in the House of Lords.

The bill's defeat marked the third time the Scottish Parliament had rejected assisted dying legislation in 16 years, following rejections in 2010 and 2015. A parallel bill for England and Wales passed the House of Commons but faced significant opposition in the House of Lords.

Scotland Rejects Assisted Dying Bill for Third Time

ScottishScotland parliamentRejects votesAssisted againstDying legalisingBill assistedfor dyingThird Time

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Scotland Rejects Assisted Dying Bill for Third Time

ScottishScotland parliamentRejects votesAssisted againstDying legalisingBill assistedfor dyingThird Time

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