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What is assisted dying and how could the law change? What is assisted dying and how could the law change?
(about 20 hours later)
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater says her bill includes "the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world"Labour MP Kim Leadbeater says her bill includes "the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world"
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. MPs are debating a proposed law to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales ahead of a Commons vote.
A separate bill is under discussion in Scotland.
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.
However, backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, external could change the legal position in England and Wales. What is the proposed law on assisted dying in England and Wales?
The bill is what's known as a private members' bill, external. The government is impartial on the issue. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, external was introduced by backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. It is what's known as a private members' bill, external.
The proposed legislation says that anyone who wants to end their life must: It would give terminally ill people the right to choose to end their life.
It 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 assessmentsatisfy two independent doctors that they are eligible - with at least seven days between each assessment
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.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.
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. The bill does not say which drug would be used.
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 coerce someone into declaring they want to end their life, with 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. LIVE: MPs split ahead of debate and vote on assisted dying bill
She said her 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?
NHS: Euthanasia and assisted suicide, external
NHS: End of life care, external
How does the MPs' vote work?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. The first debate and vote on the bill is under way in the House of Commons.
MPs have been given a free vote, which means they can make their own decision rather than follow party instructions. If the bill passes on Friday, there are still many months of parliamentary activity before it can become law. If it's rejected, that's the end of the road.
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. MPs have been given a free vote on the issue, which means they can make their own decision rather than follow party instructions.
The government is impartial on the issue.
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.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. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have both said they will vote for the bill, as have seven MPs who have worked in the NHS.
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. However, several MPs have said they will vote against changing the law, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting. He argues that palliative care is not good enough to support assisted dying and that the cost of introducing it could mean 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.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. Three former Conservative Prime Ministers - Liz Truss, Boris Johnson and Baroness Theresa May - and former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown are against the bill. However, former Tory PM Lord David Cameron supports it. None of the former prime ministers is still an MP, so they cannot vote on Friday.
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'Hardest decision of my career': MPs wrestle with assisted dying choice
Chris Mason: Will assisted dying vote pass?Chris Mason: Will assisted dying vote pass?
How might the law change in Scotland?How might the law change in Scotland?
A separate bill is under discussion in Scotland.
Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur 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. The bill is being considered by the health committee ahead of an initial vote by MSPs, which is not expected until 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 confident the UK and Scottish governments could find a solution if MSPs backed his bill.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''Northern Ireland is being left behind on assisted dying'
Who opposes assisted dying?Who opposes assisted dying?
Both the British Medical Association, external, which represents doctors, and the Royal College of Nursing, external are neutral on the issue. Opponents warn that people could be put under pressure to end their lives and want improvements to palliative care instead.
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.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."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, from 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."
'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. Kim Leadbeater, the MP who introduced the bill, said the law needs changing because some people "have a horrible, harrowing death", however good their end-of-life - or palliative - care is.
One of the highest-profile advocates for change is broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who has stage-four lung cancer. She said her bill includes "the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world".
Dame Esther Rantzen, who has stage four lung cancer, has joined Dignitas in Switzerland Cancer patient Nathaniel Dye worked with Ms Leadbeater on her bill. He said it would allow people a death which was "as kind and compassionate as possible".
"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 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".
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 proposals" 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.
Assisted dying bill offers 'ray of hope' Dame Esther Rantzen, who has stage four lung cancer, has joined Dignitas in Switzerland
Widow of MND sufferer calls for assisted dying One of the highest-profile advocates for change is broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who has stage-four lung cancer.
"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?"
Both the British Medical Association, external, which represents doctors, and the Royal College of Nursing, external are neutral on the issue.
Isle of Man Assisted Dying Bill to take next stepIsle 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 assisted dying, external.
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. Switzerland has allowed assisted suicide since 1942. Its Dignitas facility - which accepts foreign patients as well as Swiss nationals. Between 1998 and 2023 it 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.
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?How does assisted dying work in other countries?