Plans for assisted death for terminally ill people in Scotland took a step forward today after an MSP won the right to introduce his Bill to Holyrood.
Scottish Lib Dems MSP Liam McArthur is looking to change the law to allow assisted dying across the country. The Orkney Islands politician lodged a final proposal with the parliament last month, which initiated a 30-day window for him to earn cross-party support from at least 18 MSPs.
The goal was reached within two hours, with 36 MSPs giving their backing, granting McArthur the right to introduce the legislation. He will now draft a Bill with the intention of introducing it early next year.
Commenting on the step forward, McArthur said: "I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all MSPs who have put their names behind my proposed change in the law. The support among colleagues has been deeply heartening, and demonstrates the growing recognition that there is a need to end the ban on assisted dying in Scotland.
"The Scottish public has long been ahead of the parliament on this issue. The public consultation on these proposals, published last month, demonstrated that there is strong and passionate support for offering people more choice at the end of their life.
"I now look forward to working with colleagues in parliament to bring forward a safe, robust, and compassionate Bill. I remain committed to a process which carefully considers the views of the public, organisations and healthcare professionals, as well as international experience, to craft legislation which is tightly drawn and contains strong safeguards.
"Thanks once more to MSPs who have given support so far, as well as to all those who have taken the time to engage with me and indeed other MSPs over recent months on this issue to share their views."
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