The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

17th March 2026

17 March 2026

Scotland Rejects Assisted Dying and Affirms Human Dignity

MSPs can be confident that they have taken the correct and responsible course of action. Their vote serves to protect some of Scotland’s most vulnerable individuals from the risk of being pressured into a premature death.

Every human life possesses inherent value. Genuine compassion is not expressed through ending a life, but through accompanying those who suffer and ensuring they receive the medical, emotional, and spiritual support that recognises their dignity. No life is without worth.

As a society, our responsibility is not to address suffering by eliminating the sufferer, but to surround each person with care, respect, and dignity until their natural end. Today’s decision moves Scotland further in that direction, and MSPs should be commended for this.

However, we must continue to make progress. Our next priority must be to strengthen palliative care by ensuring that it is properly funded and accessible to all who require it.

I would like to express my gratitude to all MSPs for their serious engagement with this issue and for the thoughtful and considered attention they have given to the bill. I am especially grateful to those who upheld the principle of human dignity and advocated on behalf of the vulnerable. Your principled commitment has not gone unnoticed.

Bishop John Keenan

President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland

Contact:

Media Office

Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
64 Aitken Street, ML6 6LT
Tel: 01236 764061
Email: [email protected]

The Roman Catholic Bishops in Scotland work together to undertake nationwide initiatives through their Commissions and Agencies.

The members of the Bishops' Conference are the Bishops of the eight Scottish Dioceses. Where appropriate the Bishops Emeriti (retired) provide a much welcomed contribution to the work of the conference. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland is a permanently constituted assembly which meets regularly throughout the year to address relevant business matters.

Members of The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

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March 2026

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Holy Mass of Third Sunday of Lent | 08 March 2026

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This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

07Mar

Former MP Dennis Canavan shares his deeply personal story of losing his children and why this experience has strengthened his op...

07 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Former MP Dennis Canavan shares his deeply personal story of losing his children and why this experience has strengthened his opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill.

In this powerful and emotional interview, Dennis speaks about the value of life, the importance of compassion, and the dangers posed by the Bill.

Watch his story and join the conversation. Make your voice heard by contacting your MSP through https://carenotkilling.scot/

The more we know, the more we say no!

07Mar

Holy Mass of Saturday of the Second Week of Lent | 07 March 2026

07 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

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This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

06Mar

Once the law changes, the debate does not end

06 Mar, 2026 | Bishops' Conference of Scotland | Being Catholic |

Once the law changes, the debate does not end.

There will always be another group of people who are suffering but do not meet the criteria. And once assisted suicide is legal for some, pressure quickly grows to extend it to others.

This is why, in country after country, the scope of these laws continues to expand over time.

Before Scotland takes this step, it is vital to ask not only what the law says today, but where it may lead tomorrow.

📩 Contact your MSP today through carenotkilling.scot and make your voice heard.

06Mar

Holy Mass of Friday of the Second Week of Lent | 06 March 2026

06 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Friday of the Second Week of Lent | 06 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

05Mar

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Second Week of Lent | 05 March 2026

05 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Thursday of the Second Week of Lent | 05 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

04Mar

Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent | 04 March 2026

04 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent | 04 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

03Mar

Lenten Devotions | Stations of the Cross | 03 March 2026

03 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Lenten Devotions | Stations of the Cross | 03 March 2026
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03Mar

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent | 03 March 2026

03 Mar, 2026 | Being Catholic | Being Catholic |

Holy Mass of Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent | 03 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356