Assisted dying campaign group Friends at the End (FATE) has called on MSPs to make the
compassionate choice and vote in support of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults
(Scotland) Bill on Tuesday 13 May.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Scottish Parliament debate FATE Convenor Emma
Cooper said:
“Tomorrow, MSPs face a crucial vote to deliver greater transparency, safety and compassion to end-of-life care. Friends at the End strongly believes MSPs should seize this historic
opportunity to offer dignified choice to people with terminal illness.
“This is a vote about upholding dignity, respecting personal autonomy, and allowing
individuals to make deeply personal decisions about their own lives with the support of
medical professionals. We urge MSPs to listen to the widespread public support and vote
yes, ensuring Scotland becomes a place where compassion guides us at life’s most difficult
moments.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About the Assisted Dying For Terminally Ill Adults Scotland Bill
This Bill, introduced by Liam McArthur MSP, would enable mentally competent adults with a
terminal illness to be provided with assistance to end their life, subject to approval by two
independent healthcare professionals. If passed by the Scottish Parliament, the Bill would
give those who wish it the option to end their lives on their terms, rather than experiencing
the extraordinary suffering that can come in the final stages of an advanced terminal illness.
Tuesday’s Stage 1 debate and vote will allow MSPs to consider the general principles of the
Bill, informed by the Stage 1 report compiled by the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social
Care and Sport Committee. If successful, the Bill will proceed to Stage 2, where the Health,
Social Care and Sport Committee will consider amendments to the Bill, before returning to
the Scottish Parliament Chamber for further amendment by MSPs ahead of a final vote at
Stage 3.
About FATE
FATE is a Scottish Charity (SC048875) that works to advance human rights by increasing
public knowledge concerning end-of-life choices and dignified death and supporting those
suffering distress at and towards the end of their lives. You can find more information on our
website. Friends at the End has campaigned for legalisation of assisted dying in Scotland since it’s establishment by the late Dr Libby Wilson in 2000.
FATE press availability
Members and supporters of FATE are available to provide comment on the Assisted
Dying Bill throughout Tuesday 13 May. Please contact Emma Cooper (07866720324)
or Seumas Skinner (07590 815 708) for further comment.
Assisted Dying supporters will be gathering outside the Scottish Parliament ahead of
the vote on Tuesday, which is currently expected to take place at 7pm.
The below briefing has been provided to MSPs by Friends at the End outlining key
argument for supporting the right to assisted dying.
FATE
Briefing for MSPs – Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill
From: Friends at the End (SCIO)
May 2025
Friends at the End (FATE) is a Scottish charity (SCIO) that has been advocating for
end-of-life choices since 2000. Founded by Dr Libby Wilson alongside other doctors,
lawyers, and individuals concerned about the criminalisation of assisted dying, we
have spent 25 years supporting dying people, their families, healthcare
professionals, and parliamentarians.
We have sponsored rigorous academic research into Scots law and assisted dying,
working with respected experts such as Professor Sheila McLean, Professor Alison
Britton, and Dr Amanda Ward. We supported Margo MacDonald’s previous bills,
including working directly with her and Patrick Harvie’s offices.
We understand that MSPs are currently being inundated with lengthy submissions. We will be brief.
Why we support Liam McArthur’s Bill:
- It is the most thoroughly researched and evidence-based assisted dying
bill Scotland has seen.
Liam McArthur has drawn on decades of data and experience from across
the world. The bill reflects what has worked in other jurisdictions. It is
tailored to Scotland’s legal system, medical practice, and culture. Liam has
left no stone unturned in consulting with stakeholders – from Chief Medical
Officers to Churches.
- This is about real people in real situations.
As a charity, we have supported countless terminally ill Scots who
desperately need this choice – not only out of despair after the sucker punch
of a terminal diagnosis, but for comfort and control. This bill provides the
reassurance that their death will not be marked by unnecessary suffering. It
is heart-breaking for us to continue to give advice and information in lieu of a
permissive law; too many are left in helpless situations, despite receiving
excellent care. This simply can’t continue in a country that has the
word ‘compassion’ inscribed on the head of its mace as a value to lead
by.
- The bill strikes a careful balance: choice with protection.
Our board has reviewed every assisted dying bill passed globally in the past
25 years. This bill is strong, cautious, and gives healthcare professionals
and families legal clarity, ending the current grey area around end-of-life
options. It provides upfront safeguards and reporting and monitoring where
there is currently none – too many families have told us that people we have
supported have either died by suicide, gone to Dignitas or been helped by a
compassionate doctor (risking life imprisonment under the current law).
Sadly, the majority have provided harrowing testimony of a bad death –
scarring their loved ones for life. We provide a free of charge professional
counselling service for these people.
- This is a conscientious vote – and a moment of leadership.
We know politics is under strain, but this issue is above party lines. You are
not being asked to take a political stance, but a compassionate one. To
recognise that some people face the brutal reality of a terminal diagnosis
and want – and need – the option of a peaceful end. The reputable polling
on this issue has for decades shown that your constituents want you to lead
with empathy, understanding and hear their voice.
We urge you to vote yes at Stage 1. A yes vote on Tuesday keeps the conversation
going. Scots want this debate. They want dignity. They want lawmakers to grasp the
nettle, not shirk their responsibilities and allow the bill to proceed to scrutiny in
detail.
This is your moment to show Scotland – and the world – that this Parliament is a
responsible, compassionate and humane legislator. Your constituents will thank you.
