MSPs told to 'catch up with public' as assisted dying bill tabled in Scotland

Scotland could become the first part of the UK to offer terminally ill adults assistance to end their lives if Holyrood approves a new bill.

- Libby Brooks

The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, who tabled the assisted dying for terminally ill adults (Scotland) bill yesterday, said "politicians are catching up with where the public has been for some time" as extensive polling for Dignity in Dying Scotland found 78% of respondents supported legalisation.

Publishing the bill in the Scottish parliament, McArthur said: "Our current laws on assisted dying are failing too many terminally ill Scots at the end of life. Too often, and despite the best efforts of palliative care, dying people are facing traumatic deaths that harm both them and those they leave behind.

"This bill contains robust safeguards, similar to those which have been safely and successfully introduced in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States, where they continue to enjoy strong public support."

McArthur's bill will be the third attempt to introduce assisted dying legislation at Holyrood and is tightly drafted to assuage concerns that it will place pressure on vulnerable people who fear being a burden on their loved ones. It is still expected to be fiercely opposed by disability rights and faith groups.