Assisted dying a 'matter of conscience', MSPs told

A Holyrood committee scrutinising assisted dying legislation has declined to make a recommendation on how MSPs should vote, saying it is a "matter of conscience".

The bill, which is at the earliest stage of the legislative process, is expected to be voted on by MSPs next month.

The report from Holyrood's health committee highlighted a number of areas it said required further consideration should the bill progress to stage two.

These include the provision and quality of palliative care, how to ensure the mental capacity of patients opting for assistance to die and the possibility of healthcare professionals being able to "opt-in" to the practice.

MSP Clare Haughey, the convener of the committee, said evidence and views from both sides were considered in what had been an emotive debate

"Of course it's very difficult dealing with issues such as terminal illness and dying," she said.

"Some of the testimonies we heard obviously do have an effect on you."

Haughey added: "The committee approached this in a professional and thorough manner."

Liam McArthur, the Liberal Democrat who introduced the bill to parliament in March 2024, welcomed the findings of the committee and said it is right that concerns raised in the report are addressed if the bill progresses.

"In some areas there is a different approach to be taken," he said.

"We only get a chance to get into the detail of that if my MSP colleagues back the general principles in the stage one vote... so that we can ensure whatever bill is passed by this parliament meets the needs and circumstances in Scotland."

McArthur has led the campaign at Holyrood in favour of this legislation. If his bill receives the support of MSPs next month to pass to the next stage, it will be a significant development for the right-to-die movement in Scotland.

A decade ago, a members' bill introduced by independent MSP Margo Macdonald, and taken on by Green MSP Patrick Harvie following her death, was rejected. This followed a 2004 attempt by Liberal Democrat Jeremy Purvis to enact similar legislation.

The latest bill has proven divisive and, at times, controversial.

Politicians including former First Minister Humza Yousaf and Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy have indicated they would vote against it.

It is also opposed by the Catholic Church in Scotland and the Scottish Association of Mosques.

The Church of Scotland is "partially opposed" to the legislation becoming law, but says its official position is currently under review.

MPs at Westminster voted to progress a UK-wide piece of legislation in November of last year. Of the Scottish delegation at Westminster, 29 voted against the proposals, with 17 voting in favour.

Like the UK parliament, Holyrood will hold a free vote on assisted dying - which means MSPs will not be instructed on how to vote by their parties.