Scotland's Assisted Dying Bill: Final Debate Today

0:00On March 17, Scottish lawmakers are wrapping up their final debate today on the assisted dying for terminally ill adults bill. If passed, it would let mentally competent adults with a terminal illness seek medical help to end their lives. Key requirements include being 18 or older, living in Scotland for at least 12 months, registered with a local doctor and doctors expecting, death within 6 months. The bill comes from Liberal Democrat member Liam McArthur and cleared its general principles vote last year. Last week, after considering over 300 amendments in marathon sessions, members added that strict 6 month prognosis rule as an extra. Safeguard. The talks ran so late that even extended into Friday, reactions have been intense, with passionate discussions on protecting against coercion and whether the 6 month limit is truly reliable or just an in. Estimate As efforts in Scotland fell short, like bills in 2010 and 2014 that didn't make it. Supporters see it as a compassionate choice, while opponents worry about slippery slopes.

1:04The debate picks up around 7 pm tonight, leading to the big vote near 10 pm. If approved, two doctors would still need to confirm mental fitness and terminal status before any assistance. This could mark a major shift in end of life care north of the border, with results expected soon after the vote.