The ability of pharmacists to conscientiously object to Assisted Dying is essential
Published: 11 March 2026
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
This week, Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland published our consultation response to the Scottish Parliament’s Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.
The Bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament as a Private Members Bill by Liam McArthur MSP. If the Bill passes into legislation, Scotland will be the only UK nation to have assisted dying legislation in place.
RPS holds a neutral position on assisted dying. All pharmacists should have the right to take part, or not take part in the process, depending on their individual religious, moral or ethical beliefs.
In our consultation response, we made clear that the ability of pharmacists to conscientiously object to assisted dying is essential. RPS has had differing legal advice on whether the current provisions in the Bill would allow pharmacists to conscientiously object, both because the Scottish Parliament may not have the competency to legislate on conscientious objection, but also because the definition of what constitutes taking part may be too narrow in focus to cover pharmaceutical activity such as preparation, dispensing and supply of medication.
In our consultation response, we made clear that it is vital that an opt-in section is written into the Bill. Pharmacists should only be taking part in this process, whether directly or indirectly, where they are comfortable to do so. This would not only support individual healthcare professionals but would also ensure the best patient care and experience.
Furthermore, our consultation response highlighted that the proposed role of the pharmacist in the assisted dying process needs to be clearly articulated. In the Bill as drafted, a pharmacist may be present in some circumstances but not in others. There should be clarity and consistency throughout the process.
As the draft Bill is scrutinised by the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, and taken through legislative process, RPS looks forward to further articulating these views to MSPs and stakeholders across Scotland.
Our full response can be read on our policies and consultations page.