Assisted dying age of consent in Scotland raised to 18 after MSP argues '16 is a little bit too young'

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Scots must be at least 18 to proceed with assisted dying if controversial legislation being considered by the Scottish Parliament becomes law. ‌

The prospective age of consent was raised by two years today after an MSP argued that “16 is a little bit too young” for someone to have an assisted death . ‌

But Holyrood’s Health Committee overwhelmingly rejected a call to make assisted dying only available to those aged 25 or over. ‌

The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill cleared its first stage at the Scottish Parliament in May. The legislation, propoed by Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur, is now being scrutinised ahead of a second vote.

The law had originally proposed people aged 16 and over with a terminal illness should be allowed to seek help to end t