Assisted Dying Bill

Parliament’s decision on the Assisted Dying Bill

Britain’s Parliament voted in favour of the “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life)” bill on Friday 29 November, marking a significant step towards legalising assisted dying in England and Wales. 

After debate in the House of Commons, 330 MPs supported the bill, with 275 voting against it. The legislation, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, has now advanced to the committee stage for further scrutiny and possible amendments, setting the stage for months of debate on this deeply divisive issue.

Key provisions of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

The proposed law would allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to apply for assistance to end their lives. 

Assisted Dying Bill - legal and financial considerations 

The original terms of the bill proposed that a High Court judge would oversee such cases. Following its first vote in Parliament and now during the scrutiny stage of the bill, Kim Leadbeater MP has proposed to amend the bill to remove the requirement for judicial oversight and instead for a panel to be the determinator – this was voted on 12 March 2025 and the proposed amendment has been agreed by the scrutiny committee. The successful amendment was proposed following expert advice having being heard and warnings from the legal community of the burden that would be placed on the High Court that could have ultimately led to the bill being unworkable in practice.

The specifics of the change are awaited, although it has been said that the proposed panel will likely be made up of expert members to include psychiatrists, social workers and a legal expert, such as a retired judge or barrister.

Support and opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill

Supporters argue the bill is about providing dignity and control to terminally ill individuals by enabling them to end their suffering on their terms. Critics, however, caution that vulnerable people may feel pressured to choose assisted dying out of fear of burdening their families. 

Concerns have also been raised about whether the legislation is restrictive enough to prevent abuse and whether it could inadvertently create barriers for those seeking assistance. Some disability advocates worry about societal implications, emphasising the importance of prioritising improved palliative care.

Assisted Dying Bill - public debate and ethical considerations

The bill has sparked a nationwide debate, with opinions voiced by faith leaders, medical professionals, disability advocates, and even former prime ministers. While polls suggest widespread public support for assisted dying, critics emphasise the ethical and moral complexities of such legislation. 

Some opponents have also expressed concern about the pace at which the bill is moving, arguing that more time is needed to consider its implications thoroughly. Leadbeater, however, has urged Parliament to act decisively, stating that the law must catch up with public opinion and the changing needs of society.
 

International precedents in assisted dying laws

International precedents like Canada and Australia have been frequently referenced in discussions. Canada initially passed assisted dying legislation in 2016 for terminally ill patients but expanded its scope in 2021 to include those with non-terminal conditions experiencing unbearable suffering. 

Australia has seen challenges with its voluntary assisted dying laws due to conflicts between state and Commonwealth legislation. These examples underscore the importance of careful drafting and the potential for legal challenges to test the UK law if passed.

High court oversight and call for evidence

Health minister Stephen Kinnock and justice minister Sarah Sackman are among the committee members reviewing the legislation – a rare arrangement reflecting the bill’s significance. If it clears the committee stage, it will proceed to the House of Lords and return to the Commons for a final vote. Leadbeater expects the legislative process to take another six months.

With assisted dying still a contentious topic, the road ahead remains uncertain. Yet, proponents like Leadbeater emphasise that the law must align with public opinion and the evolving standards of compassion and choice in end-of-life care.

Within the legal profession, many lawyers, including retired High Court judges, are calling for greater detail on what the legal process will actually entail, with particular focus now on the  change to how these cases will be decided. , Many argue that the removal of High Court oversight means a watering down of the safeguards that were in place, together with the removal of the reason some MPs were assured enough to have voted for the bill in the first instance.