First minister John Swinney has revealed he plans to vote against a bill to allow assisted dying in Scotland.
The bill, which would allow people suffering with terminal illness to take their own life, has been put forward by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur.
MSPs are set to vote on the legislation on Tuesday next week.
Swinney, in an interview with BBC Scotland, voiced his opposition to the bill.
He said: "I've come to the conclusion that I can't support it because I'm worried that it would fundamentally change the relationships between patients and clinicians.
"I'm worried that some of the vulnerable in our society might feel that they are a burden and that they may therefore opt or feel under pressure to end their life prematurely."
Acknowledging his religious beliefs and family played a role in his decision, Swinney continued: "I'm a man of faith. I believe that we are all individually and equally created in the likeness of God.
"I also have my family perspective on this – my wife has a terminal condition and that is something we live with. I can't for a moment suggest that these real factors have had no impact on the decision I've made."
If passed, the assisted dying bill would allow terminally ill patients to request medical assistance in ending their own life.
The individual would have to be ruled as mentally fit to make the decision by two different doctors.