Overview

This bill proposes to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales for competent adults with terminal illnesses. It sets strict criteria, including a confirmed diagnosis of a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, a voluntary, informed request, and confirmation from two independent doctors.

Description

The Assisted Dying Bill outlines a process where terminally ill adults can legally request assistance to end their lives. Key aspects include:

Eligibility

To be eligible, an individual must be 18 or older, have lived in England and Wales for at least a year, possess the mental capacity to make the decision, and have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. The High Court (Family Division) must confirm all these conditions before a request for assisted dying is valid.

Declaration Process

A formal declaration expressing a clear, settled, and informed wish to end their life must be made and signed in the presence of a witness who is not a relative or involved in their care. Two doctors, one the attending physician and one an independent doctor, must separately examine the patient and confirm the diagnosis, capacity, and voluntary nature of the request. They must also confirm that the patient is aware of available palliative and hospice care.

Medical Assistance

The attending doctor can prescribe medication. This medicine can only be administered by the person themselves, at least 14 days (or 6 days if death is expected within a month) after the declaration takes effect. A medical professional (doctor or nurse) authorized by the attending doctor will be present during the self-administration to provide support.

Conscientious Objection

The bill protects the right of medical professionals to refuse participation if they have a conscientious objection.

Legal Protections

Individuals providing assistance under the bill will not be subject to criminal prosecution. Amendments will be made to existing legislation (Suicide Act 1961, Coroners and Justice Act 2009, and Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953) to reflect the new law.

Monitoring and Review

Chief Medical Officers will monitor the bill's operation, submit annual reports, and ensure compliance with its provisions. The Act can be repealed after 10 years through a parliamentary resolution.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures, but it will likely involve costs for monitoring, reporting, and potentially regulatory changes.

Groups Affected

• Terminally ill adults: May gain access to assisted dying if they meet the strict criteria.
• Medical professionals: Will have additional responsibilities and legal protections.
• Families of terminally ill individuals: May be impacted by the decision-making process and the emotional aspects of assisted dying.
• Palliative care providers: May experience changes in demand for their services.
• Religious and ethical groups: Likely to have diverse views on the bill.

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