theguardian.com
Assisted Dying Bill Debate
Analysis of a proposed assisted dying bill in England and Wales, including its expected impact, safeguards, and the arguments for and against its passage.
English
United Kingdom
PoliticsHuman Rights ViolationsHealthUkHealthcareLawEthicsAssisted Suicide
British Medical Association
Kim LeadbeaterKit MalthousePeter PrinsleyDavid NichollsCharlie Falconer
- What safeguards are included in the proposed legislation?
- The bill includes safeguards such as lengthy prison sentences for coercion, involvement of two doctors and a high court judge, and the self-administration requirement. The process will involve a full hearing with evidence, although the judge primarily checks that the act's terms have been met.
- How do supporters of the bill address opponents' concerns?
- Supporters argue that the bill's strict criteria and safeguards mitigate risks and address concerns raised in previous debates. They also emphasize the limited number of patients who would likely utilize assisted dying under the proposed law.
- What are the main concerns expressed by opponents of the bill?
- Opponents express concern that the bill does not prohibit doctors from suggesting assisted dying, leading to potential ethical dilemmas. Some MPs also remain uncertain about the bill's success, with concerns raised about the potential for abstentions during the vote.
- What is the legal argument against potential court challenges to the bill?
- Lord Falconer argues that the bill is unlikely to face successful legal challenges based on human rights grounds, citing previous rulings by British and European courts. He believes any attempts to expand the scope of the bill through litigation would be unsuccessful.
- What is the expected number of patients who would utilize assisted dying under Kim Leadbeater's proposed bill?
- Kim Leadbeater's assisted dying bill, if passed, is expected to affect fewer than 1000 patients annually in England and Wales due to strict criteria, including a terminal diagnosis with less than six months to live and self-administration of the medication.