Will Extra Scrutiny Change the Outcome of the Assisted Dying Bill?

The House of Lords has reached an agreement to establish a select committee to scrutinise the Assisted Dying Bill, which aims to allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to seek an assisted death. This legislative proposal has sparked intense debate, with concerns about potential abuses and moral implications. The committee's role will be to address these concerns and ensure thorough examination of the bill, facilitating its progress through Parliament.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

• The select committee will consist of about a dozen peers and is expected to report by 7 November.
• The bill proposes assisted dying for terminally ill adults with less than six months to live, requiring approval from two doctors.
• Opponents argue the bill could lead to coercion and a "licence to kill".
• The UK public largely supports assisted dying, according to recent surveys.
• If passed, the Government will have four years to implement an assisted dying service.

Understanding the Assisted Dying Bill

The Assisted Dying Bill, formally titled the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, seeks to provide a legal framework for terminally ill adults in England and Wales to seek assistance in dying. This legislation is aimed at individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness and who are deemed to have fewer than six months to live. Under the proposed law, individuals would be required to obtain approval from two independent doctors, as well as a multidisciplinary panel that includes a social worker, a legal representative, and a psychiatrist.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill's key provisions include:

• Eligibility criteria focusing on terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live.
• A requirement for assessments by two doctors to ensure the individual's decision is informed and voluntary.
• A multidisciplinary panel's involvement to provide additional oversight.
• Provisions for the establishment of a funded assisted dying service within four years if the bill is enacted.

The Role of the Select Committee

The select committee will play a critical role in addressing the concerns raised by various peers regarding the bill. The committee aims to conduct a comprehensive review of how an assisted dying service would operate, funding mechanisms, and the implications for health and justice systems. Baroness Thornton, a Labour peer, emphasised the importance of scrutiny, stating, "Our job is to scrutinise [the bill] further and improve it if we need to." This highlights the committee's purpose to enhance the bill rather than obstruct it.

Concerns Raised by Opponents

Opponents of the bill, including prominent figures such as former Prime Minister Baroness Theresa May, argue that it could open the door to potential abuses. Critics assert that the legislation may create a "licence to kill" and could lead to coercion, particularly among vulnerable individuals. Lord John Deben expressed concerns that families might pressure terminally ill relatives into choosing assisted dying for financial gain, stating, "We are empowering the State to kill."

Public Support and Ethical Considerations

Despite the opposition, surveys indicate that a substantial portion of the UK population supports assisted dying. Furthermore, some Church of England congregations reportedly back the bill, despite their leadership's vocal opposition. This discrepancy highlights the complex ethical landscape surrounding assisted dying, where opinions vary widely among different groups and individuals.

Legislative Process and Timeline

The legislative process for the Assisted Dying Bill involves both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. For the bill to become law, both houses must agree on its final wording. The current expectation is that the House of Lords will proceed to a Second Reading, which typically does not involve a vote but allows for further debate. If successful, the Government would have a four-year timeframe to establish an operational assisted dying service, potentially leading to the first assisted deaths occurring around 2029 or 2030.

Next Steps for the Bill

The establishment of the select committee marks a significant step in the legislative process. The committee is expected to commence its work next month, with a goal of reporting back by 7 November. This timeline is critical as it ensures the bill can be adequately scrutinised before moving on to the next stages. Lord Falconer, the bill's sponsor, has described the fast-tracked committee as a "constructive and sensible compromise," aimed at further improving the legislation.

Conclusion

The Assisted Dying Bill represents a pivotal moment in UK legislation, reflecting changing attitudes towards end-of-life choices. As the select committee prepares to delve into the complexities of the bill, it will be essential for peers to balance ethical considerations with the need for compassionate care for terminally ill individuals. The outcomes of this legislative process could have lasting implications for how society approaches assisted dying and the rights of those facing terminal illnesses.

With the debate set to continue, the focus will remain on how best to support individuals in making informed choices about their end-of-life care while addressing the concerns of all parties involved. As this crucial discussion unfolds, it raises the question: How can we ensure that assisted dying is implemented safely and ethically in the UK? #AssistedDying #EndOfLife #UKLegislation

FAQs

What is the Assisted Dying Bill?

The Assisted Dying Bill aims to allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to apply for assisted death, subject to medical approval and oversight by a multidisciplinary panel.

Who is eligible for assisted dying under the bill?

Eligibility is limited to terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live, who can demonstrate that their decision is informed and voluntary.

What is the role of the select committee?

The select committee will scrutinise the Assisted Dying Bill, focusing on its implications for health and justice systems and how an assisted dying service would be funded and implemented.

How does the legislative process work for this bill?

The bill must pass through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. If agreed upon, the Government has four years to establish an operational assisted dying service.

What are the main concerns about the bill?

Opponents express fears about potential coercion of vulnerable individuals and the ethical implications of legalising assisted dying, likening it to a "licence to kill."