Medical professionals in Scotland could be forced to participate in assisted suicide procedures under a new amendment to a proposed law, according to Right to Life UK.

The bill would legalise assisted suicide for terminally ill adults in Scotland, deemed to have less than six months to live, and where two doctors testify to their mental capacity to make an informed decision, free from coercion.

The Bill, as written, provides protections for medical professionals who have conscientious objections so that they are not under any duty to assist in the suicide of their patients.

The amendment, however, would remove all conscience protections so that medical staff could be subject to disciplinary measures if they refuse to assist, and their career progression may be negatively affected, as could their workplace relationships.

The proposed change has prompted a massive backlash from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, who released a statement urging MSPs to vote against the amendment.