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What is assisted dying and how could the law change? What is assisted dying and how could the law change?
(14 days later)
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater says 'now is the time' for MPs to vote on assisted dying Labour MP Kim Leadbeater says her bill includes "the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world"
A proposed law to give terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to choose to end their life has been published. MPs will vote on the bill for the first time on 29 November. On Friday, MPs have the first opportunity to debate and vote on a proposed law which would give terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to choose to end their life.
A separate bill is under discussion in Scotland.A separate bill is under discussion in Scotland.
How might the law on assisted dying change in England and Wales? What is the proposed law on assisted dying in England and Wales?
At present, laws throughout the UK prevent people from asking for medical help to die.At present, laws throughout the UK prevent people from asking for medical help to die.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has introduced the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, external, which could change the legal position in England and Wales. However, backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, external could change the legal position in England and Wales.
The bill says anyone who wants to end their life must: The bill is what's known as a private members' bill, external. The government is impartial on the issue.
The proposed legislation says that anyone who wants to end their life must:
be over 18 and live in England and Wales, and have been registered with a GP for at least 12 monthsbe over 18 and live in England and Wales, and have been registered with a GP for at least 12 months
have the mental capacity to make the choice and be deemed to have expressed a clear, settled and informed wish, free from coercion or pressurehave the mental capacity to make the choice and be deemed to have expressed a clear, settled and informed wish, free from coercion or pressure
be expected to die within six monthsbe expected to die within six months
make two separate declarations, witnessed and signed, about their wish to diemake two separate declarations, witnessed and signed, about their wish to die
satisfy two independent doctors that they are eligible - with at least seven days between each doctors' assessment satisfy two independent doctors that they are eligible - with at least seven days between each assessment
A High Court judge must hear from at least one of the doctors, and can question the dying person, or anyone else considered relevant. Under the proposals, a High Court judge would have to rule each time a person makes a request to end their life. A patient would then have to wait 14 days before acting.
After the judge has made their ruling, a patient would have to wait another 14 days before acting. A doctor would prepare the substance being used to end the patient's life, but the person would take it themselves. The bill does not say which drug would be used.
A doctor would prepare the substance being used to end the patient's life, but the person would take it themselves. It would be illegal to coerce someone into declaring they want to end their life, with a possible 14-year prison sentence.
It would be illegal to pressure or coerce someone into declaring they want to end their life, carrying a possible 14-year prison sentence. Ms Leadbeater said the law needed changing because some people "have a horrible, harrowing death", however good their end-of-life - or palliative - care is.
Ms Leadbeater said the law needed changing because some people "have a horrible, harrowing death", no matter how good palliative care is. She said her bill includes "the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world".
She said the bill includes "the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world".
What is in the proposed assisted dying law?What is in the proposed assisted dying law?
The proposals would have to be approved by MPs and peers before becoming law.
The first debate and vote will take place in the House of Commons on Friday 29 November.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has previously said he backs changing the law, will allow Labour MPs to vote as they wish on the issue.
Both the British Medical Association, external, which represents doctors, and the Royal College of Nursing, external have neutral positions on assisted dying.
NHS: Euthanasia and assisted suicide, externalNHS: Euthanasia and assisted suicide, external
NHS: End of life care, externalNHS: End of life care, external
How does the MPs' vote work?
The bill has to be approved by MPs and peers before it can become law, with the first debate and vote taking place in the House of Commons on Friday 29 November.
MPs have been given a free vote, which means they can make their own decision rather than follow party instructions.
It is not clear how many MPs will support the bill as most have not said publicly how they intend to vote. When MPs last voted on the issue in 2015, they rejected different proposals by 330 votes to 118, external.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously said he backed a change in the law.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have both said they will vote for the bill. A cross-party group of seven MPs who have worked in the NHS have written to their colleagues urging them to support the proposals.
However, several MPs have said they will vote against changing the law, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting. He argues the palliative care system is not good enough to support assisted dying, and that the costs of implementing the necessary changes could lead to cuts in other NHS services.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood also opposes the proposals, as do the UK's longest-serving male and female MPs, Labour's Diane Abbott and the Conservative Sir Edward Leigh.
Three former Conservative Prime Ministers - Liz Truss, Boris Johnson and Baroness Theresa May - and former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown have spoken out against the bill.
Former Tory PM Lord David Cameron said he has changed his mind about the issue since the 2015 vote, and supports the bill.
None of the former prime ministers is still an MP, so they cannot vote on Friday - but their views are expected to influence current members. Baroness May and Lord Cameron would be able to vote if the bill reaches the Lords.
Meanwhile, six MPs have put forward a "wrecking amendment" designed to delay the planned debate, to allow more detailed scrutiny of the bill, but this amendment is not expected to progress.
If a majority of MPs support the bill on Friday, it will move to the next stage, involving further debates and votes in the House of Commons and Lords in 2025.
'Hardest decision of my career': MPs wrestle with assisted dying choice
Chris Mason: Will assisted dying vote pass?
How might the law change in Scotland?How might the law change in Scotland?
Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur has drafted the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur drafted the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.
If passed by MSPs, eligible applicants would have to:If passed by MSPs, eligible applicants would have to:
be resident in Scotland for at least 12 monthsbe resident in Scotland for at least 12 months
be registered with a GP in Scotlandbe registered with a GP in Scotland
be terminally illbe terminally ill
have the mental capacity to make the requesthave the mental capacity to make the request
The bill is being considered by the health committee ahead of an initial vote by MSPs, which is not expected until late February or March 2025.
In October 2024, Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray said the proposed legislation went beyond the limits of Holyrood's powers, and was a matter for Westminster.In October 2024, Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray said the proposed legislation went beyond the limits of Holyrood's powers, and was a matter for Westminster.
However, Mr McArthur said he was "very confident" the UK and Scottish governments could find a solution if his bill was backed by MSPs. However, Mr McArthur said he was confident the UK and Scottish governments could find a solution if MSPs backed his bill.
'Northern Ireland is being left behind on assisted dying'
Who opposes assisted dying?Who opposes assisted dying?
Opponents warn that people could be put under pressure to end their lives, and have urged the government to focus on improving palliative care instead. Both the British Medical Association, external, which represents doctors, and the Royal College of Nursing, external are neutral on the issue.
Paralympian and House of Lords crossbencher Baroness Grey-Thompson is among those who are against changing the law. Opponents warn that people could be put under pressure to end their lives and have urged the government to focus on improving palliative care instead.
Paralympian and House of Lords crossbencher Baroness Grey-Thompson is a vocal critic.
She told the BBC she is worried about "the impact on vulnerable people, on disabled people, [the risk of] coercive control, and the ability of doctors to make a six-month diagnosis".She told the BBC she is worried about "the impact on vulnerable people, on disabled people, [the risk of] coercive control, and the ability of doctors to make a six-month diagnosis".
Lady Grey-Thompson is a long-standing critic of legalising assisted dyingLady Grey-Thompson is a long-standing critic of legalising assisted dying
Actor and disability-rights activist Liz Carr, who made BBC One documentary Better Off Dead?, also opposes changing the law.Actor and disability-rights activist Liz Carr, who made BBC One documentary Better Off Dead?, also opposes changing the law.
"Some of us have very real fears based on our lived experience and based on what has happened in other countries where it's legal," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Some of us have very real fears based on our lived experience and based on what has happened in other countries where it's legal," she wrote on X.
Dr Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of campaign group Care Not Killing, said: "The safest law is the one we currently have." Dr Gordon Macdonald, from campaign group Care Not Killing, said: "The safest law is the one we currently have.
"This bill is being rushed with indecent haste and ignores the deep-seated problems in the UK's broken and patchy palliative care system.""This bill is being rushed with indecent haste and ignores the deep-seated problems in the UK's broken and patchy palliative care system."
Many MPs have not announced their position on the bill, but some have said they will not support it.
They include Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has said the palliative care system is not good enough to support assisted dying. He has suggested the cost of implementing any changes to the law could lead to cuts in other NHS services.
The Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also said she will vote against the bill.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey - who has also said his party's MPs can vote with their conscience - said he was "very minded" to reject the bill.
'I might be dead before a decision is made': Terminally ill people on assisted dying'I might be dead before a decision is made': Terminally ill people on assisted dying
Relief and fear ahead of assisted dying bill voteRelief and fear ahead of assisted dying bill vote
Who wants the law on assisted dying to change?Who wants the law on assisted dying to change?
Campaigners representing people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses have made a number of attempts to alter the law in recent years.Campaigners representing people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses have made a number of attempts to alter the law in recent years.
One of the highest-profile advocates for change is broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who has been diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer. One of the highest-profile advocates for change is broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who has stage-four lung cancer.
Dame Esther Rantzen, who has stage four lung cancer, has joined Dignitas in SwitzerlandDame Esther Rantzen, who has stage four lung cancer, has joined Dignitas in Switzerland
"All I'm asking for is that we be given the dignity of choice," Dame Esther told BBC News. "If I decide that my own life is not worth living, please may I ask for help to die?""All I'm asking for is that we be given the dignity of choice," Dame Esther told BBC News. "If I decide that my own life is not worth living, please may I ask for help to die?"
Cancer patient Nathaniel Dye has worked with Kim Leadbeater on her bill, which he said would let people avoid the "worst case scenario of an horrific death". Cancer patient Nathaniel Dye worked with Kim Leadbeater on her bill, which he said would let people avoid the "worst case scenario of an horrific death", and make their end "as kind and compassionate as possible".
He said it would let him "commit one last act of kindness to my family and myself, and make my end as kind as compassionate as possible". The Dignity in Dying campaign group said the bill provides the "most detailed, robust proposals" on the issue that "Westminster has ever considered".
The Dignity in Dying campaign group said the bill provides the "most detailed, robust proposal" on the issue that "Westminster has ever considered".
According to chief executive Sarah Wootton, the fact that every year "up to 650 terminally ill people end their own lives, often in lonely and traumatic ways," shows that the status quo is not working.According to chief executive Sarah Wootton, the fact that every year "up to 650 terminally ill people end their own lives, often in lonely and traumatic ways," shows that the status quo is not working.
The former Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, who introduced his own bill on the subject to the House of Lords in July 2024, argues the proposed bill "is workable" with "rock solid safeguards".
Medic MPs urge support for assisted dying bill
Assisted dying bill offers 'ray of hope'Assisted dying bill offers 'ray of hope'
Widow of MND sufferer calls for assisted dyingWidow of MND sufferer calls for assisted dying
Manx Assisted Dying Bill passed by House of Keys Isle of Man Assisted Dying Bill to take next step
Jersey votes to approve assisted dying plans for terminally illJersey votes to approve assisted dying plans for terminally ill
What are assisted dying, assisted suicide and euthanasia?What are assisted dying, assisted suicide and euthanasia?
There is some debate over exactly what the various terms mean, external.There is some debate over exactly what the various terms mean, external.
However, assisted dying generally refers to a person who is terminally ill receiving lethal drugs from a medical practitioner, which they administer themselves.However, assisted dying generally refers to a person who is terminally ill receiving lethal drugs from a medical practitioner, which they administer themselves.
Assisted suicide is intentionally helping another person to end their life, including someone who is not terminally ill. That could involve providing lethal medication or helping them travel to another jurisdiction to die.Assisted suicide is intentionally helping another person to end their life, including someone who is not terminally ill. That could involve providing lethal medication or helping them travel to another jurisdiction to die.
Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending a person's life to relieve suffering in which a lethal drug is administered by a physician. Patients may not be terminally ill.Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending a person's life to relieve suffering in which a lethal drug is administered by a physician. Patients may not be terminally ill.
There are two types: voluntary euthanasia, where a patient consents; and non-voluntary, where they cannot because, for example, they are in a coma.There are two types: voluntary euthanasia, where a patient consents; and non-voluntary, where they cannot because, for example, they are in a coma.
Where is euthanasia or assisted dying legal around the world?Where is euthanasia or assisted dying legal around the world?
The Dignity in Dying campaign group says more than 200 million people around the world have legal access to some form of assisted dying, external.The Dignity in Dying campaign group says more than 200 million people around the world have legal access to some form of assisted dying, external.
Switzerland has allowed assisted suicide since 1942 and its Dignitas facility began operating in 1998. Switzerland has allowed assisted suicide since 1942. Its Dignitas facility - which accepts foreign patients as well as Swiss nationals - began operating in 1998. Between 1998 and 2023 it helped 571 Britons to die, external.
The organisation accepts foreign patients as well as Swiss nationals, and said it had 1,900 UK members in 2023, a 24% rise on the previous year.
Between 1998 and 2023 Dignitas helped 571 Britons to die, external.
Assisted suicide is also legal in Austria.Assisted suicide is also legal in Austria.
In the US, 11 states - Oregon, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Washington, Hawaii, New Jersey, Vermont, Maine and Washington DC - allow "physician-assisted dying".In the US, 11 states - Oregon, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Washington, Hawaii, New Jersey, Vermont, Maine and Washington DC - allow "physician-assisted dying".
It permits doctors to prescribe lethal drugs for self-administration.It permits doctors to prescribe lethal drugs for self-administration.
Voluntary euthanasia is legal in Canada where it is called medical assistance in dying. It can be provided by a doctor or nurse practitioner, either in person or through the prescription of drugs for self-administration.Voluntary euthanasia is legal in Canada where it is called medical assistance in dying. It can be provided by a doctor or nurse practitioner, either in person or through the prescription of drugs for self-administration.
It is also legal in Spain and Colombia, both of which also permit assisted suicide.It is also legal in Spain and Colombia, both of which also permit assisted suicide.
Assisted dying is legal in some parts of Australia but the law differs across states. It is not permitted in either the Northern or Australian Capital territories.Assisted dying is legal in some parts of Australia but the law differs across states. It is not permitted in either the Northern or Australian Capital territories.
New Zealand's End of Life Choice Act legalises assisted dying and allows adults in their final months of life to request assistance from a medical professional.New Zealand's End of Life Choice Act legalises assisted dying and allows adults in their final months of life to request assistance from a medical professional.
Three countries have laws that allow people who are not terminally ill to receive assistance to die: The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.Three countries have laws that allow people who are not terminally ill to receive assistance to die: The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
How does assisted dying work in other countries?