Amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill

Constituents on both sides of the argument who have written to me over the years will know that I have taken an interest in the debates around assisted dying, and particularly how it may impact disabled people.

I voted against the bill at Stage 1 due to my concerns about potential coercion and the removal of true choice from people in terrible circumstances.

I have shared the below information with fellow MSPs on four amendments I’ve lodged for debate at Stage 3, which try to introduce additional safeguards and support for people who are considering assisted dying under the bill’s provisions.  I hope that they will gain support from others in Parliament.

All amendments, groupings, and information about the bill can be viewed at: Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

 

Duty to Analyse Trends, Risks, or Inequalities – amendment 287

This amendment strengthens Section 24 by requiring reports to include analysis, not just raw data, on the operation of the Act. It ensures that trends over time, safeguarding risks, and inequalities caused or exacerbated by assisted dying are actively identified and assessed. By mandating comparison with previous reporting periods and the identification of emerging patterns, the amendment enables early detection of unintended consequences. Where significant risks or inequalities are found, the requirement to set these out clearly and include recommendations from Public Health Scotland promotes accountability, informed parliamentary scrutiny, and timely corrective action.

 

Reasoning – amendment 140

This amendment introduces an important safeguard to ensure that assisted dying is available only to those whose decision is primarily motivated by their terminal illness. It makes clear that a person should not be considered eligible if their request is driven by other factors. The purpose is to protect vulnerable adults from making irreversible decisions due to social, financial, or relational pressures.

 

Mandatory Reporting of Safeguarding Concerns – amendment 284

This amendment strengthens Section 24 by explicitly requiring reports to include safeguarding information. It ensures that Public Health Scotland records and reports concerns about coercion, undue influence, pressure, or abuse, as well as referrals to relevant safeguarding authorities and the outcomes of investigations. By embedding safeguarding data within the core reporting framework, the amendment enhances transparency, allows Parliament and the public to monitor risks to vulnerable adults, and supports early identification and mitigation of potential abuse in the lawful provision of assistance to end a person’s own life.

 

Intellectual Disabilities – amendment 140

This amendment ensures that where a person has an intellectual or learning disability, additional professional support is provided before any request for assisted dying can be made. It is intended to safeguard autonomy by ensuring genuine understanding of the gravity, consequences, and alternatives to the decision, through structured, multidisciplinary assistance delivered over time. The amendment does not exclude any group but strengthens procedural protections for individuals who may require tailored support.

I lodged this following consultation with groups locally and nationally, as well as friends who have learning disabilities themselves, knowing there is concern amongst many with learning disabilities that what they experienced over the pandemic could lead to pressure to end their lives.

 

You can read my statement from Stage 1 here: Statement on Assisted Dying Bill – Emma Roddick MSP