Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Published

 

On November 11, 2024, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater introduced the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to the UK Parliament. This proposed legislation seeks to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales, providing them with the option to end their lives under specific conditions.

Key Components of the Bill:

-Eligibility Criteria: The bill applies to mentally competent adults diagnosed with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live.

-Approval Process: Two independent doctors must confirm the patient's diagnosis and mental capacity. Subsequently, a judge reviews the case, considering evidence from at least one doctor and potentially the patient, to authorise the provision of life-ending medication. This process is designed to take approximately 21 days, with a minimum of seven days between the doctors' assessments and an additional 14 days after the judge's decision. 

- Administration of Medication: Patients must self-administer the prescribed medication, ensuring that the act is voluntary and deliberate.

- Safeguards: The bill includes protections to prevent coercion and ensure that only eligible individuals can access assisted dying. These measures aim to uphold the integrity of the process and protect vulnerable populations.

The bill is scheduled for its second reading and debate in the House of Commons on November 29, 2024.