MPs have debated the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in the Commons for the first time since November’s ‘yes’ vote. The Mirror looks at what could happen next
Kim Leadbeater’s bid to legalise assisted dying was given a boost on Friday as a key change to landmark legislation was backed by MPs.
After a five-hour debate, the Commons backed the Labour MP’s amendment to allow health workers to opt out of helping with assisted dying. It was the first time the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was debated in the Commons since November’s historic “yes” vote with MPs giving their initial support.
Bringing her Bill back to Parliament, Ms Leadbeater said proposed changes, including allowing medics to opt-out, will strengthen the legislation. She insisted assisted dying must be legalised to avoid terminally ill people acting out of desperation or making “traumatic” trips to Switzerland.
But opponents complained the Bill does not have enough protections and has been rushed through. Earlier this week the Royal College of Psychiatrists also said it believes there are “concerning deficiencies” with the proposed legislation.
Here The Mirror looks at what could happen next with the bid to legalise assisted dying.
What is the Bill proposing?
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s Bill proposes to allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months left to live to apply for an assisted death.
This would be subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist. A doctor would provide the lethal substance which the adult would administer themselves.
What are the arguments for and against?
Campaigners in favour say the current ban on assisted dying, which has a 14-year maximum jail sentence, is intolerable. They say dying people are forced to suffer in pain and without dignity and deserve to have a choice to end their terminal illness earlier.
Opponents say the bill does not have enough safeguards and has been rushed through. They worry about people being coerced into an assisted death, while some argue it could lead to a slippery slope with the legislation expanded over time.
What has happened since MPs first voted on assisted dying?
During an emotional debate in November MPs gave their initial backing to the landmark legislation by a comfortable majority, voting 330 to 275 in favour.
Since then MPs have been scrutinising the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill line-by-line and proposed a series of amendments, which are changes to how the law would work.
What happened on Friday?
On Friday the Commons voted on a handful of the amendments after a five-hour sitting. One of the key changes proposed by Ms Leadbeater – passed by MPs – ensures medics would not be obliged to take part in assisted dying.
Doctors already had an opt-out but the new clause extends that to anyone, including pharmacists and social care workers. An amendment meanwhile proposed by an MP opposed to the legislation was defeated.
What happens next?
MPs are expected to vote once again on amendments to the legislation on June 13. If time allows on that day there could also be a crucial moment where MPs vote yes or no on the overall proposals at third reading.
READ MORE: ‘My mum took dad to Dignitas to avoid agonising death – I’m so scared for her’
If they vote no the Bill will fail and legalising assisted dying will not become law. But if they vote yes it will then be sent to the House of Lords for the next stage.
When will it become law?
At this stage it remains uncertain. If the Bill goes forward to the House of Lords, peers will then begin scrutinising the legislation – a process that could take many months.
But once both the Lords and Commons agree on the legislation it will receive Royal Assent – formal agreement from the King – and become law.
When could the first assisted death in England and Wales take place?
If the Bill becomes law it is expected there will be a maximum of four years to implement the changes and give doctors and experts the chance to prepare.
This means if the legislation passes this year it might not be until 2029 that assisted dying is offered.
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