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MDDUS comments on Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill

Author: MDDUS | Date: 18 March 2026

At a glance:

  • Scottish Parliament voted on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill
  • MDDUS maintained a neutral position on the principle of assisted dying
  • Concerns raised about legal and regulatory protections for doctors

Commenting on the vote in the Scottish Parliament on 17 March on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, Dr John Holden, the chief medical officer of the doctors’ organisation MDDUS, said:

“Throughout the debate, MDDUS retained its neutral position on the principle of assisted dying, and that has not changed.

“However, we were clear in our stance that if an assisted dying regime were legalised in Scotland that doctors would need strong regulatory and legal protections, both for those who participated and for those with a conscientious objection.

“In the final stages of debate, we had significant concerns when provisions that made clear doctors would have ‘no duty to participate’ were removed from the Bill.

“It is vital that any future attempts to legislate on assisted dying will address these concerns directly and comprehensively from day one.”

This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

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