An update on assisted dying legislation in Scotland

On Tuesday 13 May, the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, by a margin of 70 votes to 56.

It is now expected that the Bill will become law. It looks likely that some adults with a terminal illness in Scotland will be able to ask for, and receive, assistance from health professionals to end their own life.

The Bill will now face more detailed scrutiny. The wording of the Bill will change as MSPs examine it in depth and propose changes. Then the Parliament will take a final vote on whether the Bill should become law. 

What we think

People within the Parkinson's community have a wide range of views on this issue, so Parkinson's UK's position on assisted dying is neutral. We did not campaign either in favour of or against this new law.

We do know that people in Scotland are likely to have questions about what this might mean for them. 

What happens next in Scotland?

The next step is for the Scottish Parliament Health, Social Care and Sport Committee to consider and agree on any proposed changes (amendments) to the legislation. These will include important topics like the definition of terminal illness, safeguards, mental capacity, coercion and issues for health and care professionals.

Then there will be a final line-by-line vote by the whole of the Parliament, which can also consider amendments. 

When the Bill passes through these stages, it will become law.

There will not be any change straight away. There will be a period of months, or even years, to allow NHS Boards, professional bodies and other organisations to make the arrangements needed for them to be able to meet the requirements of the new law.

We will continue to follow the process and keep people informed.

What about assisted dying elsewhere in the UK?

This bill is separate from the legislation being considered in Westminster, which will not apply in Scotland.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in Westminster covers England and Wales. It is due to be debated in the House of Commons on 16 May, following a series of changes (known as ‘amendments’) made by a specially appointed committee of MPs from across different political parties.

MPs will then vote for or against the bill. If they vote against the bill, it will make no further progress. If they vote for the bill, it will then be considered in the House of Lords. Both the House of Commons and the House of Lords will need to agree on the exact wording of the bill for it to become law.

There are currently no plans to change the law in Northern Ireland.

Assisted dying legislation was passed in the Isle Of Man in March 2025.