Assisted Dying Bill

On 29th November 2024, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will be heard in the House of Commons for debate.

The proposed legislation for England and Wales is restricted to terminally ill adults who have six months or less to live and require medical assistance to die. It will only be available for mentally competent adults.

The person must make two separate declarations, witnessed and signed about their wish to die.

Further safeguards will include an assessment by two independent doctors at least seven days apart, and one of whom will be heard by a High Court judge. The judge can question the dying person and anyone else they consider appropriate.

A further 14-day period must expire after the judge has made a ruling, for the person to reflect on their decision. Although the 14 days could be reduced to 48 hours if the death is imminent.

Both the doctors and Judge must be satisfied that the person has the requisite mental capacity to make the decision. They must also be satisfied that the person has made the decision voluntarily and has not been coerced or pressured by anyone else.

No doctor, or anyone else, will be under any obligation to administer or assist with the death, other than preparing the medication. The dying person must be able to take the medication by themselves.

There are strong opinions for and against the Bill. Dame Esther Rantzen is one of the high-profile campaigners for a change in the law. Diagnosed with stage 4 lunch cancer, she is pushing for a choice in dying with dignity. Opposed to the change in law includes Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson. She has expressed her concern about coercive control in the decision-making process, particularly for vulnerable and disabled people.

The debate and vote on the Bill in the House of Commons is scheduled for 29th November.