The Terminally Ill Adults (End Of Life) Bill relates to a complex and emotive issue, with strongly held views on both sides of the debate. My personal belief is that everyone should have the right to choose how to end their life. Providing there are appropriate safeguards in place, I support a change in the law to enable terminally ill adults to receive, at their request, medically supervised assistance to end their own lives.

However, assisted dying should never be a substitute for high-quality palliative and end-of-life care. Every person nearing the end of their life should be assured that they will receive the very best support and dignity in their final days. While we must continue to improve palliative care, even the best care cannot always alleviate all suffering. I believe that those who are facing unbearable suffering should have the option of assisted dying, rather than being forced to travel abroad—an option currently only available to those who can afford the significant cost and are able to travel (often alone). This unfair situation must not continue.

The Private Members’ Bill is currently before Parliament, seeking to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults, with strict safeguards in place. I support this Bill.

Recent Amendments to the Bill

In response to expert feedback, the Bill’s sponsor, Kim Leadbeater MP, has proposed amendments to strengthen its safeguards. Notably, the original requirement for High Court approval of each assisted dying case has been replaced with an “expert panel” model. This panel will be chaired by a senior lawyer/judge, and include a psychiatrist and a social worker, ensuring comprehensive oversight while addressing concerns about potential delays and burdens on the court system.

These changes aim to maintain the Bill’s rigorous safeguards, ensuring it remains the strongest in the world. The expert panel approach is designed to provide thorough scrutiny of each case, balancing the need for timely decisions with robust protections for vulnerable individuals.

Parliamentary Scrutiny

The Bill is undergoing rigorous scrutiny. It has already been debated extensively, and the Committee is carefully considering a wide range of amendments and new clauses. This is not the final stage—after the Committee’s work, the Bill will go through the Report Stage and Third Reading before moving to the House of Lords for further debate. Even if passed, there would be an implementation period of at least two years to establish clinical guidelines, train professionals, and ensure all necessary safeguards are in place.

For the first time on a Private Members’ Bill, formal oral evidence has been taken before Committee scrutiny begins. MPs have access to extensive written and oral evidence, ensuring transparency and a thorough review of all concerns.

Key Safeguards in the Bill

The Bill contains strict safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure assisted dying is a carefully regulated choice. Key protections include:

• Eligibility criteria: Only terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less would be eligible, with two independent doctors confirming the diagnosis and assessing the person’s mental capacity. If there is any doubt, a third opinion can be sought.
• Expert panel oversight: An expert panel including a senior lawyer, psychiatrist, and social worker will review each case to ensure every request is voluntary and informed, providing an additional layer of scrutiny against coercion.
• prognosis guidelines: While no timeframe is perfect, six months aligns with existing end-of-life care frameworks and international precedent. Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty has stated that while predicting life expectancy carries some uncertainty, six months is a reasonable and workable period.
• Mental health considerations: Assisted dying is intended only for those with a terminal illness and mental capacity. In jurisdictions where assisted dying is legal, conditions like anorexia alone do not meet eligibility criteria. UK law has not found people with severe anorexia to be mentally competent to refuse treatment, and the same principles would apply under this Bill.

Doctors and Palliative Care

The Bill respects the rights of medical professionals by allowing doctors to opt in or out. The Royal College of GPs supports a system where assisted dying is delivered separately, ensuring patient access while preserving professional choice.

This legislation does not replace palliative care—it complements it. The government has recently announced £100 million in additional funding for hospices, and investment in end-of-life care must continue. Evidence from other countries suggests that introducing assisted dying laws can also drive improvements in palliative care services.

My Position

This Bill is about giving dying people choice, not taking it away. The safeguards are strong, the scrutiny is rigorous, and Parliament will continue to debate every aspect before any law is enacted. I believe this Bill strikes the right balance between compassion, protection, and personal freedom.