McArthur writes to MSPs as France backs assisted dying 

Liam McArthur MSP has today written to MSPs highlighting "growing international evidence" as parliamentarians in France voted in favour of legalising assisted dying for terminally ill patients.

In his letter, Mr McArthur noted that this would be a choice available solely to terminally ill, mentally competent adults, and the existence of safeguards to protect the vulnerable, including a clear conscientious objection clause for healthcare providers.

President Macron has described the reforms as “an important step” toward a more compassionate and dignified approach to dying.

Mr McArthur's letter is as follows:

Dear colleague,

I thought you might be interested to hear about a significant development in end-of-life law reform from France, where the National Assembly (the lower house) has voted in favour of legalising assisted dying for terminally ill patients.

The bill, backed by President Emmanuel Macron, was passed by 305 votes to 199 following a free vote in the Assembly—illustrating, as in many jurisdictions, that conscience on this matter transcends party lines. It now proceeds to the Senate and will likely return to the Assembly for final approval at the beginning of 2026. If passed, it would make France the eighth EU country to adopt such legislation.

The proposed law is carefully framed and been arrived at through a deliberative process. As with the bills being considered here and at Westminster, it would be a choice available solely to terminally ill, mentally competent adults. Safeguards to protect the vulnerable, including a clear conscientious objection clause for healthcare providers, have also been central to the final form of the bill.

A parallel bill guaranteeing the right to palliative care passed without opposition. President Macron described the dual reform as “an important step” toward a more compassionate and dignified approach to dying.

I believe that France’s experience further adds to the growing international evidence that shows it is possible to create a legal, ethical and compassionate framework that upholds individual dignity while respecting the diversity of views across society.

Apologies again for adding to your inbox, but I hope this update is of interest and needless to say I would be very happy to discuss with colleagues how Scotland can learn from models elsewhere as we shape our own path forward.

Kind regards, Liam