Delay to the Assisted Dying Bill

Despite strong public support for terminally ill patients to be given the right to die, the House of Lords recently voted to delay the Bill by six months. Supporters and opponents mounted equally passionate campaigns, whilst the media feasted on the emotive mix of religion, ethics, medicine, law and human misery.

The Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill would allow doctors to prescribe (but not administer) lethal drugs to patients who are of sound mind, but suffering unbearably with less than 6 months to live. As part of the Bill’s safeguards, a patient would have to be certified by two doctors (after a palliative care consultation) before any action could be taken.

Even if the Bill is passed:

• Doctors would not be under any duty to raise the subject with terminally ill patients
• Conscientious objectors would not be under any duty to refer their patients to other doctors
• Hospitals and hospices would have the right to refuse assisted deaths on their premises

In future issues of First Person we will cover the progress of the Bill. However, for further assistance please contact:
Andrew Goldstone
Tel +44 (0)20 7440 7205
andrew.goldstone@mishcon.com