Why in News?

The UK House of Commons has passed a landmark bill legalising assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales.

This development marks a significant shift in end-of-life care legislation, amidst heated political and societal debate.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Key Highlights of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
• Political and Public Reactions
• Ethical and Legal Debates
• Global Context - Comparative Legal Status
• Conclusion

Key Highlights of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill:

• Eligibility criteria: The bill permits assisted dying under strict and clearly defined conditions -
  • Individuals must be 18 years or older.
  • Must be resident in England or Wales and registered with a General Practitioner (GP) for at least 12 months.
  • Must have a terminal illness with an expected life expectancy of six months or less.
  • Must possess the mental capacity to make an informed decision.
  • Must make two formal, witnessed declarations expressing their wish to die.
  • Evaluations are to be done by two independent doctors at least seven days apart.
• Procedure:
  • After approval, there is a 14-day waiting period.
  • A doctor would prepare the life-ending substance, but the individual must self-administer it.
  • It will be a criminal offence to coerce or pressure someone into assisted dying, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Political and Public Reactions:

• Parliamentary division:
  • The bill passed with 314 votes in favour and 291 against, a narrow majority of 23.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the bill.
  • Health Secretary Wes Streeting opposed it (practicing ‘free vote’, i.e., not bound by party lines) but affirmed he would respect the decision.
• Public protests and campaigns:
  • Strong activism was seen both in support of and against the bill.
  • Supporters promoted “Dignity in Dying”, emphasizing compassionate choices.
  • Opponents criticised it as potentially creating a “National Suicide Service”.

Ethical and Legal Debates:

• Proponents’ argument:
  • Empowers patients to die with dignity.
  • Ends the need for terminally ill people to travel to places like Switzerland for assisted suicide.
  • Reduces suffering and upholds patient autonomy.
• Critics’ concerns:
  • Risk of abuse or coercion of vulnerable individuals.
  • Ethical implications of enabling suicide.
  • Potential for erosion of palliative care

Global Context - Comparative Legal Status:

• Canada: Assisted suicide and euthanasia legal under conditions.
• Belgium and Netherlands: Both assisted dying and euthanasia legal under strict criteria.
• Australia: Assisted dying permitted in some states.
• US (selected states): Assisted suicide legal in states like Oregon and California.
• Switzerland: Assisted suicide legal, attracts medical tourism.

Conclusion:

The Assisted Dying Bill’s passage in the UK House of Commons marks a profound ethical and legislative shift that balances autonomy for terminally ill individuals with societal concerns about coercion and care for the vulnerable.

As the bill proceeds to the House of Lords, it will remain a focal point of national debate, with implications for law, morality, and human rights.