Overview

This bill proposes to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales for competent adults with terminal illnesses who have a clear and settled wish to end their lives. It establishes strict safeguards, including multiple medical assessments and a mandatory waiting period, to prevent coercion and ensure the individual's capacity to make this decision.

Description

Eligibility

The bill allows terminally ill adults (diagnosed with an irreversible condition leading to death within six months) who are aged 18 or over and have resided in England and Wales for at least one year to request assistance in dying. They must possess the capacity to make this decision and have a clear, settled intention, expressed in a signed declaration.

Declaration Process

A formal declaration, witnessed by someone not involved in their care, is required. Two doctors – an attending physician and an independent doctor – must independently confirm the patient’s terminal illness, capacity, and settled intention. They must also confirm that the patient has been fully informed about available palliative and end-of-life care options.

Assistance Provided

The attending doctor may prescribe medication to enable the patient to end their own life. The medication can only be administered by the attending doctor or authorized healthcare professionals, after a 14-day waiting period (reduced to six days if death is expected within a month). The patient retains the final decision and performs the act themselves. Healthcare professionals must remain in close proximity.

Conscientious Objection

Healthcare professionals have the right to refuse participation if they have a conscientious objection.

Legal Protections

Those who assist in accordance with the bill's provisions will not be prosecuted. Amendments to the Suicide Act 1961 are included to remove any conflict.

Monitoring and Reporting

Chief Medical Officers will monitor the Act's operation, submitting annual reports to Parliament. The Registrar General will also produce annual statistical reports on assisted deaths.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any direct costs associated with the implementation. However, there may be indirect costs associated with training, administrative support, and monitoring and reporting required by the Act.

Groups Affected

• Terminally ill adults: Could potentially access assisted dying if they meet the criteria.
• Healthcare professionals: Will be directly involved in the process, with the option of conscientious objection.
• Families and carers: May experience both positive and negative impacts depending on their beliefs and the situation.
• Religious organizations: Likely to have strong views for or against the bill.
• Advocacy groups: Will likely be closely involved in monitoring the implementation and impact of the act.

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