Overview

This bill aims to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales for competent adults with terminal illnesses. It establishes a strict framework with multiple safeguards to ensure the process is voluntary, informed, and free from coercion.

Description

Eligibility

Only terminally ill adults (diagnosed with an irreversible condition and expected to die within six months) who are ordinarily resident in England and Wales for at least a year and are aged 18 or over can request assistance. They must have a clear and settled intention to end their life, voluntarily and without coercion.

Declaration Process

A formal declaration, witnessed by an unrelated person, is required. This must be countersigned by two registered medical practitioners: an attending doctor and an independent doctor. Both must confirm the patient's terminal illness, capacity to make the decision, and informed consent, after examining the patient and their records. They must also confirm that the patient has been fully informed about available palliative care options.

Assistance Provided

The attending doctor may prescribe medication enabling the individual to end their life. This medication can only be administered by the patient themselves, under specific conditions, after a minimum waiting period of 14 days (or 6 days if death is expected within a month). A health professional must be present while the patient self-administers the medication.

Conscientious Objection

Health professionals can refuse to participate in assisted dying if they have a conscientious objection.

Legal Protections

Individuals providing assistance under this Act are not criminally liable. The bill amends existing legislation (Suicide Act 1961, Coroners Act 1988, and Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953) to reflect the new legal framework. Specific offences are defined, such as providing false information or destroying declarations. The Secretary of State can create codes of practice and regulations to guide implementation.

Monitoring

The Chief Medical Officers in England and Wales will monitor the act's operation and submit annual reports to Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, costs are anticipated for monitoring, the creation of codes of practice, and the potential need for additional training and resources for medical professionals.

Groups Affected

This bill directly affects:

• Terminally ill adults in England and Wales: Provides a legal pathway for assisted dying.
• Medical professionals: Requires additional responsibilities, including assessment and documentation; allows for conscientious objection.
• Families and carers: May experience emotional impact related to end-of-life decisions.
• Palliative care providers: The bill highlights the importance of informing patients about palliative care options.

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