Britain Parliament has approved in principle a bill that would allow elderly people suffering from terminal illnesses to end their lives (die). In fact, after a long debate, a majority of lawmakers voted in favour of the ‘Assisted Dying Bill’. With this, the bill will go to further consideration in Parliament. However, although such a bill was first introduced in 2015, it failed to get approval from Parliament at that time.
This is not a solution!
The people of Britain are expressing different opinions on this bill. While the lawmakers were discussing it, groups opposing and supporting this decision tried to make their case heard outside Parliament by holding placards. However, finally, with the support of the majority of MPs, the bill was approved in principle.
Where is assisted dying legal?
• In Belgium, Luxemborg and the Netherlands, a physician has the authority to provide life-ending medication to a patient who has provided consent.
• In Canada, voluntary euthanasia and assisted dying are permitted for individuals who have a death that is "reasonably foreseeable".
• In certain states of Australia and the US, assisted dying is permitted.
• Spain permits assisted dying for conditions that are considered serious, chronic, and incapacitating as well as those that result in unbearable suffering.
• Assisted suicide has been permitted in Switzerland since 1942.
History of Assisted Dying Bill
A Bill to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales was presented in the House of Commons on 16 October 2024 and discussed on 29 November 2024. Assisted dying usually refers to when a terminally ill individual seeks medical assistance to acquire and self-administer lethal drugs. The phrase "assisted suicide" is occasionally utilized to suggest that an individual has made the decision to end their life. It is also utilized when referring to someone who is not in the terminal stages of an illness. Administering a fatal amount of sedatives to someone, or assisting them in traveling to Switzerland - where the regulations are different - may be considered as aiding in suicide legally.
What is the law in the UK at the moment?
Assisted dying is prohibited throughout the UK due to the Suicide Act 1961, although there are signs of potential change. The act of euthanasia, which involves a doctor giving a lethal drug with the person's consent, is prohibited throughout the UK by the Homicide Act 1957, carrying a sentence of life imprisonment at minimum.
In Northern Ireland, it is against the law to aid or promote suicide, as outlined in the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 1966, with a potential penalty of 14 years' imprisonment. This violation still applies if the help occurs in Northern Ireland, but the suicide happens somewhere else.
Assisted suicide is not allowed in Scotland; however, a Bill was presented in the Scottish Parliament in March of this year. The Bill in Scotland would permit terminally ill adults to seek assisted dying if they meet specific requirements, such as being 16 years old and living in Scotland for a year. Two doctors must evaluate the patient and verify that their actions are voluntary.
Last summer, a Bill with similar provisions was presented in the Isle of Man's Parliament. The Assisted Dying Bill permits terminally ill Isle of Man residents of one year or more to ask for help to end their life. The proposal will contain protections like two doctors evaluating the patient's mental condition separately and a waiting period for the patient to reconsider. The legislation was approved during the Isle of Man's Parliament second reading on October 31, 2023, with a vote of 17 in favour and 7 against. The House of Keys approved a key vote on May 14, 2024, and the bill is anticipated to have a third reading in the summer. In case it
How does assisted dying work in practice?
If the criteria are met, a health professional provides the patient with an approved substance to end their life. The patient then administers the substance themselves.
What would happen to someone who helped a terminally ill person to die?
• Encouraging or aiding someone to commit suicide or attempt suicide is against the law according to Section 2 of the Suicide Act of 1961. A person who is taken to court under the current legislation could face a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
• In English law, euthanasia is not allowed and is viewed as either manslaughter or murder. Life imprisonment is the most severe punishment that can be imposed.
• Consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is required to pursue charges against an individual for aiding or abetting a suicide.
