Statement - Assisted Dying Bill vote

The Scottish Parliament has voted to reject the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill by 69 votes to 57.

Rt Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: "I welcome the news that the Scottish Parliament has chosen not to approve the Assisted Dying Bill.

"In May 2025, the General Assembly reaffirmed its opposition to assisted dying, following extensive Church-wide consideration, lengthy debate and a close vote.

"While there is a diversity of views within the Church, the considered opinion was that we could not support a change in the law.

"Christians believe that every human being is made in the image of God with inherent dignity and worth, this is true for how we live, as well as how we die.

"I recognise that the outcome will be a disappointment to many, but it was clear that the safeguards included did not offer sufficient protection.

"We have been consistent in our position that we need to prioritise the development of excellent palliative care services that are universally available and fully funded.

"Without that, had the Bill passed, we would fear that many vulnerable people might have seen an assisted death as their only realistic option.

"That concern remains and we will continue to advocate for increased funding and availability of palliative care.

"I would like to pay tribute to the hard and diligent work of our MSPs and the staff in the Scottish Parliament who have scrutinised this Bill over the past five years.

"It has been notable how respectfully the debate has been conducted and how gracious opponents have been to one another.

"My hope is that this spirit of kindness, even when there are deep political differences, can continue through the election campaign and beyond."