Contact your MSP

Personal contact with your MSP is the single most important thing you can do to help change the law in Scotland.

There will soon be a debate and vote on Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill. When it comes down to the vote, every MSP will matter.

Meet your MSP

Meeting with your MSP is one of the most impactful ways to support the campaign for a more compassionate law. But, we appreciate it can see daunting. If you would like support to set up a meeting, drop us an email and we can guide you through the process: activism@dignityindying.org.uk

Email your MSP

Everyone in Scotland has eight MSPs – one constituent MSP and seven regional MSPs.

If you’re not sure who your MSPs are, you can find out by entering your postcode here: www.parliament.scot/msps.aspx

Tips on what to write

Ask your MSP if they will vote in favour of Liam McArthur MSP’s Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill.
Include your full name and address so your MSP knows you are their constituent – otherwise they are unlikely to respond.
Explain why assisted dying matters so much to you. This is the most important part of your email. If you are living with a terminal illness, or someone close to you wanted the choice of an assisted death, do share this, if you feel comfortable. Personal stories are most likely to change an MSP’s mind.
Be clear about what the Assisted Dying Bill is. The Bill will allow terminally ill, mentally competent adults to request life-ending medication from a doctor, which the patient would self-administer at a time they chose. It will introduce safeguards making end-of-life care safer, fairer and more compassionate for all.
Include some facts and figures to support your argument. We’ve included some key points below – choose the ones you feel are most persuasive.
Always be polite. Arguments are most persuasive when made in a polite and respectful way, even if you disagree with your MSP’s position.
Tell them you look forward to receiving their reply

Facts and figures

Below are some points for you to use when writing to your MSP. Don’t feel you need to include all these points – just choose the ones that you feel are most persuasive.

The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill

Liam McArthur, Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney, introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill to the Scottish Parliament.
The Assisted Dying Bill seeks to allow terminally ill, mentally competent adults to request life-ending medication from a doctor, which the patient would self-administer at a time of their own choosing.
Proposals for law change went to public consultation in September 2021 and received an unprecedented response of over 14,000 submissions – the highest ever for a private member’s bill in the Scottish Parliament. 78% of respondents were supportive of the proposals.
Assisted dying legislation would result in fewer dying people – and their families – facing unnecessary suffering at the end of their lives. Dying people would instead be given them choice and control.
The Scottish public agree it’s time to change the law: 78% support assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults.