McArthur comments on Stage 2 amendments to Assisted Dying Bill

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur has today written to MSP colleagues following the completion of Stage 2 consideration on his Assisted Dying Bill. 

A full summary of all amendments agreed to the Bill can be read here.

Mr McArthur's comments were as follows: 

Dear colleagues,

As you may be aware, the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee completed its consideration of my Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill at Stage 2 earlier this week. I wanted to provide a further update on the Bill as amended, as I understand from discussions with colleagues that previous updates have been found to be useful.  

Further to my update last week, around 20 additional amendments were agreed during the final sessions on Tuesday, taking the total number of agreed amendments to 74. Taken in full, I believe the revisions to the Bill further reinforce the values of safety, compassion and choice that are at the centre of this legislation, and balance the need for robust safeguards and protections while also allowing terminally ill Scots dignity and choice at the end of life.  

I’d like to again thank colleagues who lodged amendments and participated in the Committee sessions. It has been a rigorous and lengthy process, but one that I believe has remained both constructive and painstaking in its close scrutiny of the legislation.  

The timeline for Stage 3, which will take place in the new year, is still to be fully confirmed. I am keen to ensure that sufficient time is available for proper consideration of amendments and their impact on the final Bill and hope to be able to update you on this as soon as possible. In the meantime, my door is always open if you would like any further information or to discuss any amendments or aspects of the Bill and as ever, I remain very grateful to you all for your continued engagement on this matter.