On November 29, 2024, MPs voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, also referred to as the Assisted Dying Bill. The bill passed its second reading with a 330-275 vote, which was a wider margin than anticipated. If passed into law, this legislation would legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. However, the bill is still in the early stages and will undergo further scrutiny and voting in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
What Does the Bill Propose?
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill aims to legalise assisted dying for adults suffering from terminal illnesses. Under the proposed bill, individuals over 18 who are terminally ill and meet specific criteria would have the option to end their lives with medical assistance.
Key Requirements Under the Proposed Bill
1. Eligibility Criteria:
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- The individual must be a resident of England or Wales and have been registered with a GP for at least 12 months.
- The individual must be diagnosed with a terminal illness expected to cause death within 6 months.
- The person must have the mental capacity to make an informed decision and must express a “clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life” free from any external pressure or coercion.
- The individual must be aged 18 or over.
2. The Process:
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- The person must make two separate declarations, witnessed and signed, confirming their desire to end their life.
- The individual would first consult with a ‘coordinating doctor’ who would guide them through the assisted dying process.
- Two independent doctors must assess the person’s eligibility, with a minimum of 7 days between each doctor’s assessment.
- A High Court judge must hear evidence from at least one of the doctors and may also question the individual directly. After the judge’s ruling, the individual must wait a further 14 days before proceeding, allowing time for reflection.
3. Role of Medical Professionals:
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- A doctor may prepare the approved medication, but the individual must take the medication themselves.
- Participation by doctors in the assisted dying process would be voluntary, and no doctor would be obliged to take part.
Euthanasia vs. Assisted Dying: What’s the Difference?
Although often used interchangeably, euthanasia and assisted dying are distinct practices:
- Euthanasia: Involves a doctor actively ending a person’s life, typically through administering a lethal dose of medication. Euthanasia is currently illegal in the UK.
- Assisted Dying: Under the proposed bill, assisted dying would allow a terminally ill person to end their life themselves by taking medication provided by a doctor. The doctor’s role is limited to providing the means, not directly causing death.
Public Opinion and Controversy
The Assisted Dying Bill has sparked significant debate, with both support and opposition surrounding the legislation. Supporters argue it provides individuals more control over their end-of-life decisions. They believe it allows a dignified end to suffering. However, critics worry it may lead to abuse, especially with vulnerable individuals. They fear pressure could be placed on them to end their lives prematurely.
Recent surveys show growing public support for assisted dying. However, many remain concerned about the risk of misuse, particularly among the elderly and disabled. Ethical, moral, and religious factors continue to fuel the debate. As a result, the bill remains one of the most contentious pieces of proposed legislation in recent years.
How Long Will It Take for the Bill to Become Law?
Although the bill has made initial progress, it still has several stages to go through before becoming law. It must be scrutinised and debated in both Houses of Parliament. MPs and peers will review and propose amendments to the bill, and it will undergo further rounds of voting. The bill is expected to take several months to pass through these stages before it can be passed.
Conclusion
The Assisted Dying Bill is a subject of significant debate, with varying opinions about its ethical and moral implications. As it continues to progress through Parliament, it is unclear how the final legislation will take shape. If passed, the bill would provide terminally ill individuals with the option to make their own end-of-life decisions, marking a significant change in UK law.
