Proposed Assisted Dying Bill Introduced in UK Parliament
A groundbreaking bill to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales has been formally introduced in the House of Commons. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is set to be debated and voted on by MPs on 29 November, with further debates and votes required before potentially becoming law.
The proposed legislation outlines strict eligibility criteria for individuals seeking assisted dying:
1. Must be over 18 and resident in England and Wales
2. Registered with a GP for at least 12 months
3. Have mental capacity to make an informed choice
4. Be free from coercion or external pressure
5. Expected to die within six months
6. Make two separate, witnessed declarations about their wish to die
The bill requires two independent doctors to assess the patient’s eligibility, with at least seven days between their assessments. Additionally, a High Court judge must review the case, potentially questioning the dying person or others involved. A mandatory 14-day waiting period is included (which can be shortened to 48 hours in certain circumstances).
Key procedural details include:
– The patient must self-administer the approved substance
– A doctor will prepare the medication but cannot administer it
– The doctor will remain present until the patient has self-administered the substance
– Doctors can choose not to participate in the process
– The patient can decide not to proceed at any point
The bill includes significant legal protections:
– It would be illegal to pressure or coerce someone into choosing assisted dying
– Anyone found guilty of such actions could face up to 14 years in prison
– Deaths under this process would not require coroner investigation
However, the proposed legislation leaves several important questions unanswered, including:
– The total cost of implementing the system
– Who would bear the financial responsibility
– Specific details of the judicial review process
Lord Thomas, former Lord Chief Justice, emphasized that the judicial review cannot be a mere formality, stressing that judges must thoroughly ensure no coercion is present.
This bill represents a significant potential shift in end-of-life care in the UK, distinguishing itself from voluntary euthanasia by requiring the patient to self-administer the life-ending medication. The proposed legislation aims to provide terminally ill individuals with a compassionate option while maintaining robust safeguards against potential abuse.
The bill’s introduction marks a crucial moment in the ongoing debate about assisted dying, with MPs set to carefully consider its implications for patient autonomy, medical ethics, and end-of-life care.
