Liam McArthur stood in the Scottish Parliament this week and made the most important speech of his career.
After four years of work, consultation and emotional conversations, his Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill passed its first major hurdle, with MSPs voting 70 to 56 in favour of progressing it.
McArthur spoke with quiet passion, not just as a legislator, but as a man deeply moved by the stories of dying Scots and their families.
He reminded Parliament that the vote was not about passing a final law but agreeing to explore the principle that terminally ill adults should have more control over how they die.
It was a plea for Parliament not to sidestep difficult decisions, and not to leave this issue gathering dust yet again.
The proposed bill is carefully constructed, with strict eligibility rules for those over 18 who are mentally capable, terminally ill, and have lived in Scotland for at least a year.
Two independent doctors would be required to confirm the person’s condition and ensure they are not under pressure.
There would be time for reflection, a requirement to be fully informed about all care options, and a final, personal decision that must be carried out by the individual alone.
McArthur shared the testimony of Ani from North Uist, who has motor neurone disease and spoke about the fear of a painful end.
“For me, assisted dying is, funnily enough, a lifeline,” she said, capturing the emotional force behind the call for change.
He paid tribute to colleagues past and present, from campaigners to committee members, who have debated, questioned and helped shape the bill so far.
He also addressed concerns from disability rights campaigners and pledged to continue listening, even as polling suggests strong support from disabled Scots themselves.
One letter sent to MSPs put it bluntly: denying choice to dying people will not resolve the inequalities faced by disabled people.
The bill does not aim to replace palliative care but to work alongside it, recognising that for some, even the best care cannot relieve their suffering.
Across the world, assisted dying laws have been shown to improve end-of-life care, not undermine it.
McArthur’s proposal is not radical, but measured and humane.
It follows the lead of places like New Zealand, Australia and parts of the United States, and reflects growing momentum in Jersey, the Isle of Man and Westminster.
And as he stood before his fellow MSPs, McArthur echoed the late Margo MacDonald, who tried to bring in similar legislation 15 years ago.
Back then, she said Parliament was doing what it was meant to do “finding an honourable, fair and equitable solution.”
Now, that challenge has passed to a new generation of lawmakers.
And Scotland, by taking this step, has shown it is ready to meet it.
