Assisted Dying Bill Proposed in England and Wales
Law to Legalize Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Introduced
A proposed law, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, seeks to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales.
The bill has been formally introduced in the House of Commons, with a debate and vote scheduled for 29 November.
If passed, this law would allow individuals over 18, who are deemed terminally ill and expected to die within six months, to receive assistance in ending their lives.
To qualify, individuals must be residents of England or Wales, registered with a GP for at least 12 months, capable of making informed decisions without coercion, and must express a clear wish to die through two separate declarations.
Two independent doctors must assess and agree on the eligibility within a seven-day period, followed by a High Court judge's review.
The person must self-administer the substance with no doctor obliged to participate.
The bill aims to differentiate assisted dying from voluntary euthanasia, where a healthcare professional administers life-ending medication.
Additionally, the bill includes strict penalties for coercion or dishonesty, with violators facing up to 14 years in prison.
The bill has been formally introduced in the House of Commons, with a debate and vote scheduled for 29 November.
If passed, this law would allow individuals over 18, who are deemed terminally ill and expected to die within six months, to receive assistance in ending their lives.
To qualify, individuals must be residents of England or Wales, registered with a GP for at least 12 months, capable of making informed decisions without coercion, and must express a clear wish to die through two separate declarations.
Two independent doctors must assess and agree on the eligibility within a seven-day period, followed by a High Court judge's review.
The person must self-administer the substance with no doctor obliged to participate.
The bill aims to differentiate assisted dying from voluntary euthanasia, where a healthcare professional administers life-ending medication.
Additionally, the bill includes strict penalties for coercion or dishonesty, with violators facing up to 14 years in prison.
