BACKING a Holyrood bill to legalise assisted suicide would not damage MSPs' chances of being re-elected, campaigners have claimed, after a new poll showed public support for the move.

The Progressive Partnership survey found 28 per cent of Scots would be more likely to vote for their MSP at the next election if they backed the bill, compared with eight per cent who would be less likely.

Most Scots - 53 per cent - would not be influenced by their MSP's support for assisted suicide, while 11 per cent of the 1006 adults questioned were unsure.

The poll has been published as MSPs on Holyrood's heath committee prepare to hear from experts for the last time before parliament holds a key vote on the Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill would give people whose lives have become intolerable through a progressive degenerative condition or terminal illness the right to seek the help of a doctor to commit suicide.

The legislation, which was introduced by the late Margo MacDonald, says the final act must be carried out by the person seeking to end their own life.

The poll was commissioned by My Death, My Choice, a campaign group including the Humanist Society Scotland and Friends at the End, which is organising a rally at Holyrood ahead of the committee meeting.

Campaign spokesman Bob Scott said: "This is a further poll which shows the incredible public support for the Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill.

"The Scottish electorate are clearly willing to back this Bill with their voices as well as their actions at the ballot box.

"Whilst votes should not be cast purely for political reasons, by voting in favour of the Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill, MSPs will be reflecting the views of their constituents and know they can support this legislation without fear of a political backlash."

He added: "We will be outside the Scottish Parliament this morning (Tues) to remind MSPs that have been behind their constituents on this issue for some time.

"We hope that, when the Bill comes before the Parliament for the Stage 1 vote, MSPs will reflect on the views of the electorate and clearly agree with the principles of the legislation, allowing it to proceed to Stage 2 for more detailed consideration."

In its final evidence-taking session before the Stage 1 vote, the committee will hear from law professor James Chalmers, of Glasgow University.

He was asked by MSPs to clarify what levels of assistance were likely to be legal or illegal under Scots law as it stands.

However, in written submission, he argued it was difficult to answer the question because "remarkably" it is not known whether suicide itself is illegal under Scots law.

The committee will also hear from MSP Patrick Harvie, who took over from Ms MacDonald as the Bill's sponsor following her death last year.

Responding to the poll, the Scottish Greens leader said: "The public in Scotland are ahead of politicians on this issue, and it's clear that there is momentum for a change in the law.

"It remains to be seen whether this Bill can gain the support of a majority, but if it does I am entirely willing to look at amendments to strengthen it."

He added: "As the committee papers for this final meeting make clear, there is serious legal concern over the lack of clarity in the current law.

"People in Scotland have no way of knowing what actions might be legal or illegal if they respond to a request from a loved one for compassionate assistance to end their life.

"This Bill is a response to that lack of clarity, and those who support it recognise that we all have a right to make decisions about our own lives on our own terms."