The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill was defeated by 69 votes to 57 at Holyrood last night.
Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: “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. Last night’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.”
Archbishop Cushley said: “I am deeply grateful to the MSPs who voted in favour of life, and to all who contributed to what was a dignified final debate at Holyrood.
“The outcome reflects a careful and compassionate approach to a deeply sensitive subject, one that touches the dignity and vulnerability of all of us.
“May we now go forward committed to making Scotland’s palliative care the very best in the world, as no one ought to suffer at the end of their lives.
“Let’s also accompany one another in life and death with humanity and humility.”
Paul Atkin, Pro-Life officer of the Archdiocese highlighted “the strength of engagement across our archdiocese” due to the fact that, from the 12 MSPs who changed their votes to opposing the bill, eight represent constituencies within the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh.
Atkin told EWTN News: “The defeat of this bill is a welcome result, reflecting the strength of engagement across our archdiocese. From the archbishop’s leadership to parishes who organized hundreds of letters, this was a united effort which made the difference.”
Praising the “remarkable contribution” of the archdiocese, Atkin paid tribute to the “polite, persistent engagement from the Catholic community,” which helped “shape outcomes and protect the most vulnerable”.
