PARLIAMENTARY: Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill

Liam McArthur MSP introduced this Member’s Bill which, if passed, would allow terminally ill adults in Scotland, who are eligible, to lawfully request, and be provided with, assistance by health professionals to end their own life. 

Since 2009, the RCN has had a neutral position on whether the law on assisted dying should be changed. This rightly reflects our members' differing views on the issue and means we neither support nor oppose attempts to change the law.

However, a neutral position does not mean that we do not take a view on the impact introducing assisted dying would have on our members. In particular, we will seek to ensure there are sufficient protections for members who may wish to engage in assisting a death under the terms of the legislation, and to protect those members who may wish to refuse to participate, both directly and indirectly, under the terms of the legislation. 

Further detail on the RCN’s position on Assisted Dying can be found on our website.

RCN Scotland’s response to Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s call for evidence on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill and Finance and Public Administration Committee’s call for evidence on the Financial Memorandum of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.