Scottish Parliamentarian Liam McArthur MSP introduces Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) Bill

March 27, 2024 –

Scottish Parliamentarian Liam McArthur MSP introduced Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) bill on March 27, 2024. It will allow terminally ill adults in Scotland, who are eligible, to lawfully request, and be provided with, assistance by health professionals to end their own life.

To be eligible to be provided with assistance to end their life, a person must:

• be terminally ill (have an advanced and progressive disease, illness or condition which they cannot recover from, and which is expected to cause their premature death)
• be aged 16 or over
• have been resident in Scotland for at least 12 months
• be registered with a GP practice in Scotland
• have sufficient capacity to make and understand the decision

Two doctors are required to assess a person as being eligible to be provided with assistance to end their own life. Both doctors also need to be satisfied that a person is acting voluntarily, without being coerced or pressured.

If confirmed as eligible, a terminally ill adult can lawfully be provided with an approved substance by a health professional. They can choose to administer this substance to themselves to end their life. Assisting death outside of what is set out in the Bill would remain unlawful.

Bill overview.

Policy memorandum.