Scotland MSP amends assisted dying bill, raises age to 18

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur has announced he will amend his proposed Assisted Dying Bill to raise the minimum eligibility age from 16 to 18, aligning with legislation in countries such as the US, Australia, and New Zealand. This decision follows feedback from the Scottish Parliament health committee and public polling, which highlighted concerns about the original age threshold and indicated that young people aged 18-24 are the most opposed demographic to legalizing assisted dying in Scotland. The amended bill, set for a vote at Holyrood, would allow only adults with a terminal illness—deemed mentally fit by two doctors—to request medical assistance to end their life. Polling also shows that initial public support for the bill drops significantly when people are presented with arguments against assisted dying, especially regarding how such laws operate in practice overseas. The health committee’s report on the bill notes unresolved issues such as the definition of terminal illness, coercion, and conscientious objection, which are likely to shape the upcoming debate. If the Scottish Parliament votes against the bill, it could influence similar legislative efforts at Westminster, whereas a vote in favor may energize proponents across the UK.