Are you passionate about human rights, dignity, and compassionate choices at the end of life? Join our Board and help steer our work at this pivotal moment in Scotland’s journey toward assisted dying legislation: https://t.co/LKZPSy1qNz

FATE Convenor Emma Cooper: "As someone who’s seen first-hand the pain that can accompany death, I know it’s vital we give people the right to die on their own terms. On behalf of FATE, I welcome this historic step and stand with all those who have waited so long for this moment"

A STEP TOWARDS GREATER COMPASSION IN SCOTLAND: MSPs vote 70-56 to support the principles of Liam McArthur’s assisted dying Bill.

@colinsmythmsp @MonicaLennon7 The lack of clarity in the existing law causes stress and confusion for dying people and their loved ones. It puts doctors in impossible posisions, leaving them feeling ethically compromised when dying patients are forced to suffer against their wishes. #ScotsForDignity (2/2)

@colinsmythmsp @MonicaLennon7 Stephen Kerr claims that the current law on asissted dying is clear and safe. In Scotland there is no crime of assisted suicide. But helping someone to die risks prosecution for murder, culpable homicide or reckless endangerment. (1/2)

"For me this [assisted dying] debate is much like that around abortion. If you don't agree with abortion, don't have one, but don't remove that choice from others." @lornaslater MSP

@colinsmythmsp @MonicaLennon7 This definition is tightly drawn, based on existing Scots Law, and allows clinicians to make clear and well-informed judgements about eligibility. The Health Committee has stated it recognises the rationale for leaving determination of eligibility to clinical judgement (2/2)

@colinsmythmsp @MonicaLennon7 Michael Matheson MSP claims the definition of terminal illness in this Bill is too broad. The Bill before Parliament restricts eligibility to mentally competent adults with an advanced and progressive disease that can reasonably be expected to cause their premature death (1/)

@colinsmythmsp "His story, like this Bill... is about choice, dignity, and person-centred care at the end of life" @MonicaLennon7 details the lengths Robert Easton and his family considered going to avoid the difficult death he knew was coming without access to #AssistedDying #ScotsForDignity

@colinsmythmsp Liz Smith MSP suggests that there is widespread fear about #AssistedDying among people with disabilities. In reality, extensive public polling has shown high levels of support for assisted dying among disabled Scots:

@colinsmythmsp Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP claims that Parliament is examining the legalisation of 'assisted suicide' Suicide prevention organisations in Austraila, where assisted dying is legal, have called on political leaders not to conflate assisted dying and suicide:

@colinsmythmsp Jeremy Balfour also suggests that eligibility has been widened in every jurisdiction to introduce assisted dying. This is simply untrue. The US State of Oregon, for instance, has not expanded eligibility in the 25 years since it legalised assisted dying for terminally ill adults

@colinsmythmsp We do not protect disabled people by banning choice for dying people. All that that does is exacerbate the suffering for people who are dying. The bill does not give people a choice between living or dying - that choice has already been taken away #ScotsForDignity (1/2)

@colinsmythmsp Jeremy Balfour MSP states that assisted dying poses a danger to disabled people. Having a disability alone would not make someone eligible under this Bill. They would need an advanced, progressive, terminal illness and the mental capacity to make that choice. (1/2)

“This bill will not mean that more people will die. But if we get it right, it might mean fewer people will suffer" @colinsmythmsp shares why he will support Liam McArthur's #AssistedDying Bill at Stage 1.

An emotional moment in Holyrood as SNP’s @GeorgeAdam speaks about his wife Stacey, who has MS: “This Bill gives her peace of mind.” A reminder of what’s at stake. #AssistedDying #ScotParl

Joanne Easton spoke to MSPs today about her father Robert, who spent his final weeks worried about suffering a 'bad death'. Legal #AssistedDying can have a crucial palliative role, alongside existing palliative care:

Modelling carried out by the Office for Health Economics last year indicated that over 600 Scots would have died in 2023 without relief for their suffering, even if the highest levels of hospice care were available: https://t.co/kBQTEN7B38 #ScotsForDignity

Murdo Fraser MSP suggests instead of assisted dying we need more support for palliative care. This isn't an either/or, and even the best palliative care has its limits. In a significant minority of cases, palliative care is unable to relieve the suffering of some dying people.