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The law and where it stands

Every bill since 2010, and what happens next.

Assisted dying is not legal in Scotland.

Three bills have come before the Scottish Parliament since 2010, and none has become law. We set out the facts here and keep them up to date.

Last updated

Every bill so far

  1. 2010

    End of Life Assistance (Scotland) Bill

    Margo MacDonald MSP.

    The first bill on assisted dying in the Scottish Parliament.

    Fell at Stage 1
  2. 2015

    Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill

    Patrick Harvie MSP.

    Introduced by Margo MacDonald and taken forward by Patrick Harvie after her death.

    Fell at Stage 1
  3. 2025

    Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill

    Liam McArthur MSP.

    The first assisted dying bill to pass Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament.

    Passed Stage 1
  4. 2026

    Final vote

    MSPs voted against the Bill.

    Not passed Our Board’s statement

What happens next

The question of assisted dying may come back to the Scottish Parliament. Until it does, everyone in Scotland can still plan ahead and make their wishes known, and we can help with that.

Have your say

Dates and votes are to be checked by Friends at the End before launch.

Urgent support

We support people facing the end of life and promote choice at that time; we don’t provide information about methods of ending life. For urgent support, Samaritans are on 116 123, free, day or night. Breathing Space is on 0800 83 85 87. For questions about your own care, your GP or palliative care team is the right first call.

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