CARE for Scotland urges MSPs to reject assisted suicide ahead of crucial vote

MSPs should reject the irredeemably flawed assisted suicide bill and focus efforts on improving access to palliative care, the charity CARE for Scotland said today.

The call comes as MSPs prepare to hold a final vote on Liam McArthur’s Members’ Bill which aims to legalise assisted suicide for patients with a terminal illness and six months or less to live. This last chance to vote on the Bill is scheduled for Tuesday 17 March 2026.

Since it was first introduced, the legislation has been subject to fierce criticism from disability groups, doctors, campaigners and MSPs.

It passed a Stage One vote, but some MSPs said at the time they were only supporting the Bill because they wanted it to receive further scrutiny.

Since then, momentum has swung away from the Bill with senior MSPs publicly saying they will now vote against.

CARE for Scotland Policy Officer, Michael Veitch, said:

“This is the final opportunity for MSPs to reject this dangerous, divisive and damaging Bill.

“There is no doubt that assisted suicide will harm the most vulnerable across Scotland.

“Our history as a nation cries out against this approach. We have a legacy of being caring and compassionate, but assisted suicide is the very opposite.

“We urge MSPs to consider the stakes that are involved.

“The Scottish Government has been clear elements of the proposed Bill are not even with the competency of the Scottish Parliament.

“Yet Mr McArthur has pushed ahead regardless and has ignored other reasonable amendments.

“MSPs should listen to the opinions of those who would be most impacted by assisted suicide, for example, those living with a disability.

“Their view is clear: this is a dangerous Bill that will make them feel a burden.

“I urge MSPs to shut the door on assisted suicide and focus efforts and energy on improving access to palliative care across Scotland.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

CARE for Scotland is a social policy charity, bringing Christian insight to the policies and laws that affect our lives.

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