The Terminally Ill Adults (End Of Life) Bill – known as the ‘Assisted Dying Bill’ is to be debated once again by parliament in September. I believe everyone should have the right to choose how to end their life when they have a terminal diagnosis. 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.

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. But while we must continue to improve palliative care, even the best care cannot always alleviate all suffering. Those who are facing unbearable suffering should have the option of assisted dying, rather than being forced to travel abroad to end their life —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.

Return to Parliament

Lauren Edwards MP is reintroducing the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which is due to come before Parliament again in September. It is the same Bill passed by MPs last year, except for three minor amendments agreed in the House of Lords.

The Assisted Dying Bill failed in the House of Lords after being talked out by a minority of opponents.  I was disappointed that a small group of peers delayed and ultimately blocked the Bill from progressing, despite support for the legislation from the elected house, and I welcome the return of the Bill.

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.

This Bill is about giving dying people choice, not taking it away. The safeguards are strong, the scrutiny has been 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.