The Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland has raised serious concerns about the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, warning that the legislation as it currently stands does not provide adequate safeguards for healthcare professionals or patients.

While the College takes a neutral position on assisted dying in principle, it has made clear that no law of this magnitude should be introduced without strong legal protections.

RCGP Scotland has warned that doctors must have the clear right to choose whether or not to participate and must be protected from discrimination based on that decision. The College is also concerned that essential protections for healthcare staff could be removed due to questions about whether the Scottish Parliament has the legal power to include them in the Bill.

There are also concerns about the pressure already facing general practice. Introducing a complex service of this nature without proper structure, funding, and safeguards could place further strain on an already stretched healthcare system.

As the Scottish Parliament prepares to vote on this Bill, it is vital that serious questions about protections, oversight, and patient safety are fully addressed.

The more we know, the more we say no!


Scotland’s leading healthcare organisations raise serious concerns over proposed changes to Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.