What Changes Are Peers Proposing for the Assisted Dying Bill?

Members of the House of Lords have put forward over 900 proposed amendments to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, aiming to introduce assisted dying legislation. This unprecedented volume of amendments—understood to be 942—raises concerns about delaying tactics while opponents call for significant alterations to ensure the bill's safety and effectiveness.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The House of Lords is currently facing a deluge of proposed changes to the assisted dying bill, with 942 amendments submitted ahead of a critical debate scheduled for Friday. This significant number of amendments has prompted alarm among supporters of the bill, who fear that these changes could be a tactic to delay its passage. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which seeks to permit terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to apply for assisted death, has already passed through the House of Commons and is now undergoing scrutiny in the Lords.

Key takeaways

Over 900 amendments have been proposed to the assisted dying bill in the House of Lords.
The bill seeks to allow terminally ill adults to apply for assisted dying under specific conditions.
Opponents of the bill argue significant changes are necessary for safety and effectiveness.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of the assisted dying bill has included several key milestones:

June 2023: The House of Commons passed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
September 2023: The bill passed its first stage in the House of Lords.
October 2023: The committee stage is set to begin, where the line-by-line examination of the bill will take place.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, the House of Lords received a record-setting number of amendments, as 942 proposals have been submitted ahead of the crucial committee stage debate. This figure is noteworthy, especially for a private member's bill, indicating a significant level of contention surrounding the legislation.

What was already established

The bill has already passed through the House of Commons and has been approved at its first stage in the Lords. It aims to provide terminally ill adults the option of assisted dying, subject to a stringent approval process involving medical and legal professionals.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For many families facing terminal illnesses, the introduction of an assisted dying law could alter their end-of-life options significantly. The prospect of such a law may lead to increased discussions around end-of-life care and palliative options within households.

Businesses and jobs

The healthcare sector may see changes in training and protocols as new guidelines for assisted dying are established. This could lead to new roles within healthcare settings to facilitate compliance with the legislation.

Policy and regulation

The bill is currently being scrutinised by the House of Lords. Its passage will depend on both Houses agreeing on the final drafting of the legislation, which must occur before the end of the current parliamentary session in spring 2024.

Numbers that matter

942: Number of proposed amendments to the assisted dying bill, reportedly a record for a private member's bill.
6 months: The maximum prognosis required for terminally ill adults to apply for assisted dying.
4 years: Timeframe for the government to establish an assisted dying service if the bill is passed.

Definitions and jargon buster

Assisted dying: A practice that allows terminally ill patients to seek help in ending their lives under strict legal conditions.
Private member's bill: Legislation presented by a member of Parliament or a peer who is not a government minister.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The committee stage of the bill will commence soon, with discussions and debates expected to focus on the amendments put forward. Peers will need to navigate the concerns raised while considering the bill’s intent.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Should the bill progress, further discussions and votes will be required in both Houses. It is crucial for all parties to engage with the amendments and the concerns raised to ensure a comprehensive and safe legislative framework.

Signals to watch

Watch for the outcomes of the committee stage debate and voting results.
Monitor public opinion and responses from healthcare professionals regarding the bill.
Look for further amendments or changes proposed during subsequent stages of the legislative process.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage in discussions about the implications of assisted dying legislation with family and friends.
Stay informed about updates related to the bill and its legislative progress.
Consider the ethical implications and personal beliefs surrounding assisted dying.

Don’t

Don’t dismiss the concerns raised by opponents without understanding their perspectives.
Don’t ignore the importance of evidence-based discussions when it comes to legislative changes.

Checklist

Review the current status of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
Understand the potential impacts of assisted dying legislation on personal and societal levels.
Follow reputable news sources for ongoing updates on the debate and legislative process.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Given the unprecedented number of amendments, there are concerns that the legislative process may be significantly prolonged. Opponents of the bill argue that it is not yet safe or workable, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the proposed changes. As this debate progresses, it is essential to monitor the evidence and expert opinions that will shape the final legislation.

Bottom line

The assisted dying bill is entering a critical phase, with over 900 amendments prompting intense scrutiny and debate. As the House of Lords prepares to discuss these changes, it remains crucial for all parties involved to focus on creating a safe and effective framework while respecting the will of the public and Parliament. The outcome of this legislation could have profound implications for terminally ill individuals in the UK.

FAQs

What is the assisted dying bill?

The assisted dying bill seeks to allow terminally ill adults with fewer than six months to live to apply for an assisted death, subject to medical and legal approvals.

Why are there so many amendments to the bill?

The high number of amendments reflects significant concern about various aspects of the bill, with opponents pushing for changes to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

What happens next with the bill?

The bill will undergo a committee stage in the House of Lords, where proposed amendments will be debated and voted on before moving forward in the legislative process.