Summary
Scottish lawmakers have supported a change to a proposed assisted dying law, adding a requirement that only those expected to die within six months can access the service. The bill, which allows terminally ill adults to seek assistance in ending their lives, is still being debated, with a final vote expected soon. There is ongoing discussion about the risks of coercion and the bill's workability.
Key Facts
- Scottish lawmakers, known as MSPs, are debating the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.
- An amendment was added so that only those expected to die within six months can use the service.
- The bill aims to allow terminally ill, mentally competent adults to seek help in ending their lives.
- A final vote on the bill is expected next week.
- The change aligns Scotland's proposed law with similar laws in other countries.
- Concerns have been raised about the possibility of coercing vulnerable people into ending their lives.
- The Scottish Parliament is reviewing about 300 amendments to the bill.
- The bill narrowly passed a previous vote with 70 in favor and 56 against.
