Terminally ill could access assisted dying in three weeks under new bill

A new assisted dying Bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, could allow terminally ill individuals in England and Wales to end their lives within three weeks, pending legal and medical approvals.

Published on Monday, the legislation proposes a series of rigorous safeguards, positioning it as one of the most cautious frameworks for assisted dying in the world. A free vote on the Bill is scheduled for Members of Parliament on November 29th.

Under this legislation, patients seeking to end their lives would need approval from two independent doctors who must confirm the individual meets strict eligibility criteria. Following their assessment, the case would then be presented to a High Court judge, who would review the evidence, possibly question the patient directly, and ultimately decide if they are eligible for assisted dying. A mandatory timeline of at least three weeks is set for this process, although it may be expedited if the patient’s condition is expected to result in death sooner.

The Bill states that a person can only apply for assisted dying if they are over 18, mentally capable, a resident of England or Wales, and have been registered with a local GP for a minimum of 12 months. Applicants must have a clear and settled desire to end their life, free from any external pressure or coercion. They must also be terminally ill with a prognosis of death within six months. Ms. Leadbeater has resisted suggestions to extend eligibility to those expected to die within 12 months, maintaining a six-month timeframe as a strict requirement.

Once a terminally ill individual expresses their wish to end their life, they must make two separate declarations, both of which need to be signed and witnessed. To ensure eligibility, two independent doctors must sign off on the request, and there must be a minimum of seven days between their assessments. Once the judge rules, a further 14-day waiting period is required before the medication can be administered.

The Bill specifies that the patient must self-administer the fatal medication by drinking or swallowing it. Unlike assisted dying laws in some countries, such as Canada, doctors or other individuals are strictly prohibited from administering the medication directly. If a patient ultimately chooses not to proceed, the medication will be promptly removed from their possession. Ms. Leadbeater’s Bill also strengthens laws around coercion, stipulating that anyone found guilty of dishonesty, coercion, or undue pressure in relation to assisted dying could face up to 14 years in prison.

A designated “coordinating doctor” will play a central role in each assisted dying case, guiding the patient through the assessment process, securing approval from a second doctor, and ultimately providing the medication. The coordinating doctor will assess the patient’s eligibility, find a second doctor for validation, and administer the lethal substance to the patient to self-administer.

While doctors are not required to initiate conversations about assisted dying, they are permitted to do so at their discretion, using their professional judgment. This provision, however, has raised concerns about a potential “slippery slope,” as seen in Canada, where doctors may suggest assisted dying to patients as part of broader end-of-life discussions. Critics worry this could increase vulnerability among patients and may lead to ethical concerns within the medical community.

Ms. Leadbeater’s Bill has sparked debate across party lines, with Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting voicing opposition. Former Home Secretary Lord Blunkett expressed ambivalence, warning of potential ethical challenges and the importance of robust safeguards. In response to these concerns, Ms. Leadbeater emphasised that her Bill provides “the strictest protections and safeguards of any legislation anywhere in the world”.