Bishops praise Scotland MPs’ vote against assisted dying

Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) voted on the Assisted Dying Bill (Scotland) after an impassioned four-hour debate in the Scottish Parliament prior to the final vote on March 16. The Bill was defeated by 69 votes to 57.

The Bishops Conference of Scotland said: “MSPs can be confident that they have taken the correct and responsible course of action. Their vote serves to protect some of Scotland’s most vulnerable individuals from the risk of being pressured into a premature death.”

The bishops added: “Every human life possesses inherent value. Genuine compassion is not expressed through ending a life, but through accompanying those who suffer and ensuring they receive the medical, emotional and spiritual support that recognises their dignity. No life is without worth.”

They continued: “As a society, our responsibility is not to address suffering by eliminating the sufferer, but to surround each person with care, respect and dignity until their natural end. Today’s decision moves Scotland further in that direction, and MSPs should be commended for this.

“However, we must continue to make progress. Our next priority must be to strengthen palliative care by ensuring that it is properly funded and accessible to all who require it.”

The vote marked the third time Scotland has debated the principle of assisted dying.

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Scottish Parliament votes against Assisted Dying Bill (By Bess Twiston Davies/The Tablet)