Scottish lawmakers have voted against legalising assisted dying, dealing a major blow to efforts for a landmark change in end-of-life legislation in the United Kingdom.
Members of the Scottish Parliament voted 69 to 57 against the proposed bill on Tuesday, with one abstention. The legislation sought to allow terminally ill, mentally competent adults—who have lived in Scotland for at least 12 months—to legally end their lives.
The decision comes despite consistent public support for assisted dying across Britain, with polls indicating around 80% of people back legalisation. However, translating that support into law has proven difficult.
The outcome in Scotland mirrors challenges faced elsewhere in the UK. In England and Wales, lawmakers previously voted in favor of similar legislation in the UK Parliament. But the bill is now at risk of failing after becoming stalled in the House of Lords, where a large number of proposed amendments could cause it to run out of time.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has remained neutral on the issue, reflecting its sensitive and divisive nature.
Elsewhere, efforts to legalise assisted dying are also facing delays. In the Isle of Man, a similar bill has been awaiting Royal Assent for a year—the final step required before it can become law. Meanwhile, Jersey is also awaiting progress after voting in favor of assisted dying earlier this year.
Although Royal Assent is typically a formality, UK ministers can intervene in limited cases to prevent a bill from moving forward.
In Scotland, the issue is further complicated by the country’s devolved powers. While the Scottish Parliament has authority over certain areas, key aspects such as the regulation of medicines and healthcare professionals remain under the control of Westminster.
The latest vote highlights the ongoing legal, political, and ethical complexities surrounding assisted dying, leaving the UK behind several Western countries—including Australia, Canada, and parts of the United States—where the practice is permitted under specific conditions.