MPs Strengthen Assisted Dying Legislation Ahead of Crunch Vote

Strategic Insights -

MPs have debated the Terminally Ill Adults End of Life Bill for over four hours, with various amendments to tighten the legislation being hashed out. Under the changes backed by parliamentarians, health professionals would not be allowed to raise assisted dying with child patients and advertising for such a service would be banned.

The debate saw passionate arguments from both sides, with Conservative MP Kieran Mullan branding the Bill a "deeply consequential and highly contentious piece of legislation for our society" and arguing not enough time has been allocated for debate. Health minister Stephen Kinnock countered that there had been more than 90 hours of parliamentary time spent so far, and more than 500 amendments had been considered at committee stage earlier this year.

A new clause was approved, tabled by Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, to ensure medics cannot raise the topic of assisted dying with under-18s. Her separate demand to prevent health workers from bringing up the issue with adult patients before they have raised it was voted down. Other amendments were passed, including provisions for assisted dying deaths not to be automatically referred to a coroner and around the regulation of substances for use in assisted dying.

Key Takeaways:

  • A new clause was tabled by Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier to ensure medics cannot raise the topic of assisted dying with under-18s, which was approved by a majority of MPs.
  • Health professionals would not be allowed to raise assisted dying with child patients under the changes backed by parliamentarians.
  • Advertising for assisted dying services would be banned under the revised legislation.
  • Over 500 amendments had been considered at committee stage earlier this year, with more than 90 hours of parliamentary time spent so far.
  • The Bill would allow terminally-ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure, and psychiatrist.
  • MPs are entitled to have a free vote on the Bill and any amendments, meaning they vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines.
  • Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, the MP behind the Bill, has pledged support of an amendment requiring the Health Secretary to publish an assessment of the availability, quality, and distribution of palliative and end-of-life care one year after the Bill passes into law.
  • Demonstrators from both sides gathered outside Parliament to make their views known on the Bill.

Statistics:

  • Over 500 amendments have been considered at committee stage earlier this year.
  • More than 90 hours of parliamentary time have been spent on the Bill so far.
  • The Bill would allow terminally-ill adults in England and Wales, with fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death.
  • MPs are entitled to have a free vote on the Bill and any amendments.

Sources:

  • [House of Commons Debate on the Terminally Ill Adults End of Life Bill]
  • [Article by Sophie Huskisson for [Publication], citing MPs' statements and amendments to the Bill]
  • [Campaigners' statements, including Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying]