Plans to legalise assisted dying in Scotland pass first stage
Plans to legalise assisted dying in Scotland pass have passed the first stage after MSPs voted in favour of the bill.
It was tabled in a bid to allow terminally ill adults to seek medical help to end their lives.
It comes after MPs voted in favour of similar proposals for England and Wales.
Supporters argue it would ease the suffering of dying Scots, while opponents argue it would fail to safeguard some of the most vulnerable people in society.
MSP Liam McArthur, who brought forward the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, opened the debate ahead of the stage one vote at the Scottish parliament on Tuesday.
The Scottish Liberal Democrat politician said terminally ill Scots and their families are "desperate to see the law changed".
Campaigners from both sides of the debate ahead of the MSPs casting their votes.
Actress Liz Carr, a wheelchair user, urged all those with concerns to vote no.
A free vote on the bill took place - meaning MSPs were not instructed on how to vote by their parties or the Scottish government.
First Minister John Swinney, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar had earlier revealed they intended to vote against it.
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