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What do assisted dying, assisted suicide and euthanasia mean and what is the law? What do assisted dying, assisted suicide and euthanasia mean and what is the law?
(8 days later)
Proposals to give terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to choose to end their life will be debated in Parliament later in October. Proposals to give terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to choose to end their life have been introduced in Parliament.
A separate bill is already under discussion in Scotland.A separate bill is already under discussion in Scotland.
Jersey and the Isle of Man are also considering changing the law. Opponents have raised concerns including the possibility of people being put under pressure to end their lives.
Several countries have legalised assisted dying, assisted suicide or euthanasia, which are all different. Campaign group Care Not Killing said the government should focus on improving palliative care instead.
What is assisted dying? 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.
But assisted dying is generally used to describe a situation where someone who is terminally ill seeks medical help to obtain lethal drugs 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.
What is assisted suicide? 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, external. It can involve people who are not terminally ill, external. 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.
Providing someone with a lethal dose of sedatives or helping them go to Switzerland - where assisted suicide is legal - could both be considered assisted suicide. There are two types: voluntary euthanasia, where a patient consents; and non-voluntary, where they cannot because, for example, they are in a coma.
What is euthanasia? NHS: Euthanasia and assisted suicide, external
Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending a person's life, external to relieve suffering in which a lethal drug is administered by a physician, external. NHS: End of life care, external
It is legal in fewer places than assisted dying or assisted suicide and patients do not necessarily have to be terminally ill, external. Are assisted dying, assisted suicide or euthanasia legal in the UK?
There are two types, external: voluntary euthanasia, where a patient has given consent, and non-voluntary, where they have not been able to, for example if they are in a coma. Throughout the UK, laws prevent people from asking for medical help to die.
Are euthanasia, assisted dying or assisted suicide legal in the UK? Euthanasia is illegal under English law and is considered manslaughter or murder. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
The laws throughout the UK prevent people from asking for medical help to die.
More specifically, euthanasia is illegal under English law and is considered manslaughter or murder. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
The Suicide Act 1961 also makes it illegal to encourage or assist a suicide in England and Wales. Those found guilty could face up to 14 years in prison.The Suicide Act 1961 also makes it illegal to encourage or assist a suicide in England and Wales. Those found guilty could face up to 14 years in prison.
Similar laws also exist in Northern Ireland. Similar laws exist in Northern Ireland.
There is no specific crime of assisting a suicide in Scotland but it is possible that helping a person to die could lead to prosecution for culpable homicide. In Scotland, it is possible that helping a person to die could lead to prosecution for an offence such as culpable homicide.
In March 2024, a report from the Health and Social Care Committee highlighted confusion over the rules governing UK doctors whose patients want to go abroad to die, external. In March 2024, MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee highlighted confusion over the rules governing UK doctors whose patients want to go abroad to die, external.
The British Medical Association (BMA) advises doctors against producing medical reports to facilitate assisted suicide abroad. The British Medical Association (BMA) advises doctors not to produce medical reports for patients who wish to carry out assisted suicide abroad, such as at Dignitas in Switzerland.
UK membership of Dignitas, the Swiss assisted dying association, jumped to 1,900 people in 2023, according to the organisation, a 24% rise on the previous year. How might the law on assisted dying change in England and Wales?
It said 40 people from the UK ended their lives at Dignitas in 2023, the highest number since 2019. Between 1998 and 2023 the organisation helped 571 Britons to die, external. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would give terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to end their life.
How might the law change in England and Wales? It is expected to be similar to one introduced in the House of Lords in July 2024, under which terminally ill adults with six months or less to live would be able to be given medical help to end their own lives.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater is putting forward a bill that would give terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to end their life.
The details have not been finalised but the bill is expected to be similar to one introduced in the House of Lords in July 2024, under which terminally ill adults with six months or less to live would be able to be given medical help to end their own lives.
Ms Leadbeater says "now is the time" for MPs to vote on the issueMs Leadbeater says "now is the time" for MPs to vote on the issue
Ms Leadbeater's bill is expected to be formally introduced in the House of Commons on 16 October, with a debate and initial vote to follow later in 2024. MPs are expected to have the chance to debate Ms Leadbeater's bill in the House of Commons on Friday 29 November.
It would have to be approved by MPs and peers before it becomes law. Ms Leadbetter told BBC News that "now is the time" to hold a fresh debate on assisted dying.
"The current situation isn't particularly safe and there isn't actually the choice that I believe people deserve and should have," she said.
The bill would have to be approved by MPs and peers before it becomes law.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously promised to give Labour MPs a free vote on the issue and has personally supported calls for a change in the law.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously promised to give Labour MPs a free vote on the issue and has personally supported calls for a change in the law.
MPs last rejected a bill on the issue in 2015.MPs last rejected a bill on the issue in 2015.
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 has drafted the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.
If passed by MSPs, it would allow terminally ill adults to request assistance to end their life. If passed by MSPs, it would allow terminally-ill adults to request assistance to end their life.
To be eligible, applicants would have to:To be 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
have the mental capacity to make the requesthave the mental capacity to make the request
But in October 2024, Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray said the proposed legislation went beyond the limits of Holyrood's powers, as issues related to the lethal drugs that would be used to end patients' lives were reserved to the Westminster government. 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.
Mr McArthur said he was "very confident" the UK and Scottish governments could work together to ensure the bill became law if it was backed by MSPs. However, Mr McArthur said he was "very confident" the UK and Scottish governments could work together to ensure the bill became law if it was backed by MSPs.
Two previous attempts to pass bills on assisted dying, in 2010 and 2013, both led by the late MSP Margo MacDonald, who had Parkinson's disease, were rejected.Two previous attempts to pass bills on assisted dying, in 2010 and 2013, both led by the late MSP Margo MacDonald, who had Parkinson's disease, were rejected.
Who wants the law on assisted dying to change?Who wants the law on assisted dying to change?
Both the BMA, external and Royal College of Nursing, external have neutral positions on assisted dying.Both the BMA, external and Royal College of Nursing, external have neutral positions on assisted dying.
But campaigners representing people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses have made a number of attempts to alter the law in recent years.But campaigners representing people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses have made a number of attempts to alter the law in recent years.
Ms Leadbetter told BBC News "now is the time" to hold a fresh debate on assisted dying.
"The current situation isn't particularly safe and there isn't actually the choice that I believe people deserve and should have," she said.
One of the highest-profile advocates for change is broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who joined Dignitas after being diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer.One of the highest-profile advocates for change is broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, who joined Dignitas after being diagnosed with 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
She launched a petition in support of assisted dying in December 2023.She launched a petition in support of assisted dying in December 2023.
It received more than 200,000 signatures, and triggered a debate in Parliament on 29 April. Dame Esther urged MPs to attend, despite the lack of a binding vote.It received more than 200,000 signatures, and triggered a debate in Parliament on 29 April. Dame Esther urged MPs to attend, despite the lack of a binding vote.
"All I'm asking for is that we be given the dignity of choice," Dame Esther told BBC News, after details of Ms Leadbetter's bill emerged."All I'm asking for is that we be given the dignity of choice," Dame Esther told BBC News, after details of Ms Leadbetter's bill emerged.
"If I decide that my own life is not worth living, please may I ask for help to die - it's a choice." "If I decide that my own life is not worth living, please may I ask for help to die?"
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
Jersey votes to approve assisted dying plans for terminally ill
Who opposes assisted dying?Who opposes assisted dying?
Paralympian and House of Lords crossbencher Baroness Grey-Thompson is against changing the law.Paralympian and House of Lords crossbencher Baroness Grey-Thompson is against changing the law.
She told BBC News she was worried about "the impact on vulnerable people, on disabled people, 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".
Coercive control describes a pattern of harmful and abusive behaviour.
Lady Grey-Thompson is a long-standing critic of legalising assisted dyingLady Grey-Thompson is a long-standing critic of legalising assisted dying
Palliative care and public-health doctor Dr Lucy Thomas said assisted dying was a last resort courts were better placed to judge than doctors - and choosing to end your life was not a "straightforward consumer decision". Palliative care and public-health doctor Dr Lucy Thomas said assisted dying was a last resort, and that choosing to end your life was not a "straightforward consumer decision".
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, formerly known as Twitter.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told the BBC that legalising assisted dying was "dangerous", and could lead to a "slippery slope" where more people would feel compelled to have their life ended medically.
Dr Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of campaign group Care Not Killing, said Ms Leadbetter's bill was "clearly disappointing".Dr Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of campaign group Care Not Killing, said Ms Leadbetter's bill was "clearly disappointing".
"I would strongly urge the government to focus on fixing our broken palliative-care system that sees up to one in four Brits who would benefit from this type of care being unable to access it, rather than discussing again this dangerous and ideological policy," he said."I would strongly urge the government to focus on fixing our broken palliative-care system that sees up to one in four Brits who would benefit from this type of care being unable to access it, rather than discussing again this dangerous and ideological policy," he said.
But Ms Leadbetter says her bill "will not undermine calls for improvements to palliative care". But Ms Leadbetter insisted her bill "will not undermine calls for improvements to palliative care".
Relief and fear ahead of assisted dying bill voteRelief and fear ahead of assisted dying bill vote
Assisted dying debate terrifying for disabled, says Liz CarrAssisted dying debate terrifying for disabled, says Liz Carr
What is the legal position in the Isle of Man and Jersey?
Jersey and the Isle of Man are part of the British Isles but set their own laws. Both islands are considering proposals to allow assisted dying.
Politicians in the Isle of Man parliament have been debating the Assisted Dying Bill, which was introduced by Dr Alex Allinson who serves as an independent member of the House of Keys, roughly equivalent to the House of Commons at Westminster.
If the legislation is passed, it would only apply to those who have been resident on the Isle of Man for five years, to discourage so-called "death tourism".
Jersey's politicians backed the principle of legalising assisted dying in 2021.
In May 2024, they approved plans to allow assisted dying for those with a terminal illness "causing unbearable suffering".
It is expected to take about 18 months to draft the relevant law.
If this is approved, a further 18-month implementation period would begin, meaning any change would not come into effect before summer 2027.
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. Its Dignitas facility began operating in 1998. However, all forms of euthanasia are against the law. Switzerland has allowed assisted suicide since 1942 and its Dignitas facility began operating in 1998.
Assisted suicide is also legal in neighbouring Austria. 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.
In the US,11 states allow assisted dying. Known as "physician-assisted dying", it permits doctors to prescribe lethal drugs for self-administration. Between 1998 and 2023 Dignitas helped 571 Britons to die, external.
Physician-assisted dying is legal in Oregon, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Washington, Hawaii, New Jersey, Vermont, Maine and Washington DC. Assisted suicide is also legal in Austria.
In Montana, court rulings allow doctors to defend themselves if they assist in a person's suicide. 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.
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 which have separate legal systems. 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.