How would the law change?
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, would change the law to allow adults with a terminal illness in England and Wales to apply for an assisted death.
The person needs to have fewer than six months to live and have the mental capacity to make the choice. Their decision must be “clear, settled and informed” at every stage – and free from coercion.
The application would be subject to approval by two doctors and an expert panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist.
The terminally ill person would take an approved substance to end their life. The bill doesn’t specify what drug. This will be provided by a doctor but only the person can take it – they cannot be fed it by someone else.
Doctors won’t be forced to take part in assisted dying as MPs have inserted a new clause to make this explicit. This also applies to anyone else who could be involved, such as care workers and pharmacists.
Independent advocates will be created to support people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health conditions, as well as a disability advisory board.
Other amendments made include banning assisted dying adverts and a ban on medics being able to raise the idea with anyone under 18.