Friends At The End (FATE) has commended the Scottish Parliament for voting today (13 May) to support the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1.
Support for the Bill’s general principles by the Parliament represents a significant step towards legalisation of assisted dying in Scotland and granting those with a terminal illness the right to end their own lives, on their terms, at a time of their choosing.
Speaking after the vote, FATE Convenor Emma Cooper said: “Today is a landmark moment for compassion, dignity, and choice in Scotland. As someone who has seen first-hand the pain that can accompany the end of life, I know how vital it is that we give people the right to die on their own terms. This Bill is not about giving up—it’s about empowering those who are dying to have control, peace, and a say in their final days.
“While this is not yet law, passing Stage 1 means the Scottish Parliament now has the opportunity to consider amendments and work together to create the right legislation for Scotland. On behalf of Friends at the End, we welcome this historic step forward and stand with all those who have waited so long for this moment.”
Jenny Forrest, whose father died from MND in 2023, said:“I’m deeply moved that the Bill has passed Stage 1. My father talked about going to Switzerland for an assisted death but, as for so many, he couldn’t afford to. As a healthcare provider, I’ve heard many patients tell similar stories. This is about choice, it’s about love, and the right to say goodbye on our own terms. It gives me real hope that in the future we may have the comfort from knowing that we will have true choice at end of life.”
Peter Warren, Director of the World Federation of Right to Die Societies, said: “More than 300 million people around the world now live under the protection of compassionate, carefully regulated assisted dying laws, part of a global shift toward greater dignity, autonomy, and choice in end-of-life care.
In countries like, New Zealand, Australia, and states such as Oregon in the US, evidence shows that these laws enhance palliative care, increase trust in the healthcare system, and are used thoughtfully and sparingly. Today Scotland has a chance to join these jurisdictions and enact its own Assisted Dying Legislation.”
Following the successful vote, the Bill moves to Stage 2, where the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee will look at proposed amendments. Amendments are expected to include raising the age limit for access to assisted dying from 16 to 18, to address concerns raised by some MSPs. Following Stage 2, a final vote on the bill is expected to take place at Stage 3 later this year.
Friends at the End will continue to make the case to MSPs that legalisation of assisted dying represents a compassionate choice for those affected by terminal illness.
Scotland has the potential to be the first nation in the UK to legalise assisted dying, following passage of a similar law in the Isle of Man earlier this year.
