Scottish Parliament rejects Assisted Suicide Bill

The Scottish Parliament has voted down Liam McArthur’s assisted suicide Bill in a historic vote at Holyrood this evening (Tue 17 March 2026).

Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) voted 69 to 57 against the Bill at Stage Three, the last part of its parliamentary journey.

Welcoming the outcome, CARE for Scotland said today that it was a ‘victory for the vulnerable’.

Dr Stuart Weir, Head of CARE for Scotland, said:

“We’re delighted Members have rejected this irredeemably flawed Bill. It is a real victory for the vulnerable.

“If you look at countries where assisted suicide is legal, the same troubling and distressing pattern emerges: numbers increase year-on-year and categories of eligibility are widened.

"This Bill would have opened a Pandora's box which would have fundamentally changed healthcare across Scotland.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Members have made a positive and truly compassionate decision today.

“What Scotland needs to do is ensure proper palliative care is available for all who need it.

“We know that when this is available, people can have a good death.

“Looking ahead to the new parliament, we urge all political parties to present in their manifestos clear plans for improving and funding the provision of palliative care across Scotland.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

CARE for Scotland is a social policy charity bringing a Christian perspective to public policy.

For more information or interview requests: james.mildred@care.org.uk / 07717516814