Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto confirmed her support this week for the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill ahead of the key vote in the Scottish Parliament.
The final debate and vote on the legislation took place on Tuesday night and was defeated by 69 votes to 57.
Following months of discussion and consultation across the country, the final debate in Holyrood was emotionally charged.
Prior to the vote, Ms Minto revealed in a statement, which she posted on her Facebook page, that she had received a significant volume of correspondence from constituents on both sides of the debate and had carefully considered their views.
She stated: I thank you all for sharing your thoughts, experiences and concerns. I have valued every contribution and conversation I have had with you during the passage of the Bill.
The MSP confirmed she had supported the Bill at its introduction by Liam McArthur MSP and had sought to ensure strong safeguards were included, particularly to protect vulnerable groups.
She said recent amendments had strengthened those protections, while issues previously considered outwith the Scottish Parliament’s powers had now been addressed through agreement with the UK Government.
Ms Minto also stressed the importance of high-quality end-of-life care, explaining that assisted dying should not be considered in isolation.
She explained: Scotland must also be able to provide people with person-centred end-of-life and palliative care.
However, she concluded in her statement that individuals facing a terminal diagnosis should have the option of assisted dying.
Following the result of the vote, with MSPs rejecting the bill, it’s understood that Westminster will consider a similar bill, though it appears unlikely to pass before the end of the parliamentary term.
