Landmark Bill for Assisted Dying Introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has introduced a significant new bill aimed at legalising assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales, scheduled for its initial parliamentary debate on 29 November 2024. The proposed Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would allow adults expected to pass away within six months to choose assisted death, contingent upon approval from two independent doctors and a High Court judge.
In discussions surrounding the bill, Leadbeater emphasised the strict safeguards it contains, claiming it offers “the strictest protections and safeguards of any legislation anywhere in the world.” These safeguards include severe penalties for coercion, making it a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The eligibility criteria stipulate that applicants must be over 18, possess mental capacity, and provide clear, coercion-free consent at every stage of the process. The aim of the legislation is not just to provide a choice for those in severe pain, but to ensure that individuals can exit life with dignity, avoiding what Leadbeater described as “harrowing and heartbreaking” deaths that many currently endure.
While the government has adopted a neutral stance, the bill has sparked a mix of support and opposition. Proponents argue it empowers terminally ill individuals to make their own choices at the end of life, while critics raise concerns regarding the adequacy of mental health assessments and the potential for vulnerable individuals to feel pressured into making such a decision.
Leadbeater has acknowledged these concerns and stressed the importance of further enhancing palliative care services alongside the proposed legislation. As the debate approaches, she calls for a careful examination to ensure that all aspects, including the right to assisted dying and the quality of palliative care, are thoroughly considered.
Assisted dying bill could stop harrowing deaths, MP says
Adults expected to die within six months would be eligible under the proposals for England and Wales.
www.bbc.com
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater discusses End of Life Bill with Sky News
Kim Leadbeater MP tells Sky News that only terminally ill patients with six months or less to live can qualify for an assisted death and the applicati
news.sky.com
Kim Leadbeater outlines safeguards in proposed assisted dying bill – video
Kim Leadbeater, proposer of the bill, says it contains the strictest safeguards of any legislation anywhere
www.theguardian.com
UK assisted dying bill offers ‘strictest safeguards’ say supporters
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater will publish proposed legislation on Tuesday
www.ft.com
Kim Leadbeater Says Her Assisted Dying Bill Will Have “Strictest Safeguards In The World”
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has promised that her bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults will have the “strictest protections and s...
www.politicshome.com
Assisted Dying Bill will stop terminally ill people having 'horrible' deaths, says MP
Terminally ill adults with less than six months to live will have right to end their own life under new legislation
www.standard.co.uk
‘My death depends on it’: Terminally ill teacher begs MPs to back assisted dying bill
It comes as the Labour MP behind the legislation said she expects assisted dying to be used by just hundreds of people each year
www.independent.co.uk
End of Life Bill: All you need to know about UK's proposed assisted dying legislation
Lawmakers in the United Kingdom will vote on the historic assisted dying bill at the end of this month. The proposed legislation, details of which wer
www.wionews.com
New assisted dying law would prevent more 'harrowing and heartbreaking' deaths - MP
An assisted dying bill would prevent more harrowing and heartbreaking deaths taking place across the UK, Batley and Spen MP Kim…
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
Assisted dying bill offers 'strictest safeguards in world', says MP - LabourList
Details of the assisted dying bill, including eligibility criteria, have just been revealed ahead of a parliamentary vote later this month.
labourlist.org