Overview

This bill proposes to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales for competent adults with terminal illnesses who have a clear and settled intention to end their lives. The process would involve strict safeguards, including multiple medical assessments and a waiting period.

Description

Eligibility

Only competent adults aged 18 or over, who have been ordinarily resident in England and Wales for at least a year, and diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, are eligible. The diagnosis must come from a registered medical practitioner.

Declaration and Verification

Individuals must make a written declaration of their wish to die, witnessed by someone uninvolved in their care. Two registered medical practitioners, one being the attending doctor and the other an independent doctor, must independently verify that the individual meets all criteria (terminal illness, capacity to make the decision, clear and settled intention, and understanding of available palliative care), before countersigning the declaration. The declaration can be revoked at any time.

Assistance Provided

The attending doctor, or a health professional authorized by them, may prescribe and deliver self-administered medicine to end the patient's life. They must remain present until the individual takes the medicine or decides against it. There will be a 14-day waiting period (or 6 days if death is expected within a month). The Secretary of State will specify which medicines may be used and regulate dispensing, storage, transport and destruction.

Conscientious Objection

Healthcare professionals are not obligated to participate if they have a conscientious objection.

Legal Protections

Individuals providing assistance in accordance with the bill will not be prosecuted. Amendments to existing legislation regarding suicide will ensure this bill's provisions supersede those of the Suicide Act 1961.

Monitoring and Review

The Chief Medical Officer will monitor the Act's operation and submit annual reports to Parliament. The Act includes provisions for a review after ten years.

Government Spending

The bill does not explicitly state the cost, but implementing the necessary regulations, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms will likely require some government spending. The exact amount is not specified.

Groups Affected

• Terminally ill adults: Could potentially benefit from the option of assisted dying.
• Healthcare professionals: Will be affected by the new legal framework, including requirements for assessment, prescription, and delivery of medication; also impacted by the conscientious objection clause.
• Families and carers: May experience emotional and practical consequences depending on individual circumstances.
• Religious organizations: Likely to have strong views on the ethical and moral implications of assisted dying.
• Palliative care providers: May experience changes in the care they provide.

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