Scottish Parliament Advances Assisted Dying Bill Amid Church Opposition

The Scottish Parliament has advanced a bill legalizing assisted suicide for terminally ill adults after a stage one vote, with 70 MSPs in favor and 56 against. Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, who proposed the bill, hailed the vote as a landmark moment, though the legislation will undergo further scrutiny and possible amendments before a final decision. Opposition is strong from various quarters, including the Church of Scotland, which emphasizes the sacredness of life and calls for improved palliative care to prevent vulnerable individuals from feeling pressured into assisted death. Christian groups and leaders, such as CARE for Scotland and the Evangelical Alliance Scotland, also voiced deep concerns, warning that the bill undermines the value of life, lacks sufficient safeguards against coercion, and risks harming marginalized groups. SNP and Labour leaders, including First Minister John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon, have pledged to oppose the legislation due to fears it could coerce disabled and vulnerable Scots. Advocates for the bill argue that strict eligibility criteria and robust safeguards will protect individuals, while critics urge the government to focus on enhancing holistic palliative care rather than legalizing assisted suicide.