Overview

This bill proposes to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales for competent adults with terminal illnesses. It sets out strict criteria, including a confirmed diagnosis, a clear and settled wish to die, and oversight by medical professionals and the High Court.

Description

The Assisted Dying Bill aims to allow terminally ill adults to legally request assistance in ending their lives. Key stipulations include:

• Eligibility: The individual must be 18 or older, a resident of England and Wales for at least a year, have capacity to make the decision, and have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less (or one month if the attending and independent doctors agree).
• Process: A formal declaration must be made and signed in the presence of a witness, then countersigned by both an attending doctor and an independent doctor. Both doctors must independently verify the patient's eligibility, capacity, and informed consent. The High Court (Family Division) must also approve the request.
• Medication: The attending doctor, or someone authorized by them, can prescribe and provide the medication. The patient must self-administer the medication, and the health professional must remain with the individual until the process is complete or the patient decides against it.
• Conscientious Objection: Medical professionals have the right to refuse participation if it conflicts with their conscience.
• Monitoring: The Chief Medical Officer will monitor the operation of the act and submit annual reports to Parliament.
• Offences: The bill creates offences for falsification of declarations or providing false medical information.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, there will be costs associated with monitoring the act, including the work of the Chief Medical Officer and associated administrative tasks. Further costs may arise from any necessary changes to the NHS and other related services.

Groups Affected

• Terminally ill adults: Potentially provides a legal pathway for assisted death.
• Medical professionals: Places new responsibilities and potential legal liabilities on doctors and nurses; allows for conscientious objection.
• Families of terminally ill individuals: May experience both emotional relief and ethical dilemmas, potentially altering end-of-life care choices.
• Palliative care providers: May see changes in demand for their services.
• The legal system: Increased workload for the courts and legal professionals.

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