House of Lords Prepares for Historic Debate on Assisted Dying Bill

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which allows terminally ill adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to apply for assisted dying, is set for its first debate in the House of Lords. The bill requires approval from two doctors and a panel including a psychiatrist, social worker, and legal expert. This legislation has progressed further than any previous assisted dying proposal in Parliament, having passed two votes in the House of Commons.

St Helens StarBishop slams assisted dying bill - warns of risks to vulnerableChurch bishop opposes assisted dying in historic Lords debateHouse of Lords Committee slams ‘highly inappropriate’ assisted suicide Bill

The Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee has criticized the bill for granting excessive powers to the government, arguing that it lacks sufficient parliamentary scrutiny. The committee highlighted the need for a definitive list of substances to be used in assisted dying, emphasizing that the current design is "highly inappropriate" and not fit for purpose. Critics, including Lord Forsyth and Lord Bridges, expressed concerns that the bill could enable ministers to create criminal offenses and amend existing laws without adequate oversight.

House of Lords Committee slams ‘highly inappropriate’ assisted suicide Bill

Public opinion appears largely against the bill, with a Whitestone Insight survey revealing that 63% of respondents believe funds for assisted dying would be better allocated to healthcare services. Dr. Gordon Macdonald of Care Not Killing noted that patients desire improvements in the National Health Service (NHS) rather than assisted dying options. Additionally, Eileen Chubb, founder of Compassion in Care, warned that the bill could lead to increased abuse in the care sector, where vulnerable individuals might be pressured into seeking assisted death.

The Spectator (uk)

Medical professionals, particularly those in palliative care, have voiced strong opposition to the bill. The Association for Palliative Medicine and the British Geriatrics Society have expressed concerns that the legislation could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities among patients. Dr. Julie Barker highlighted the risk of coercion, noting that patients might be manipulated by family members to opt for assisted dying. Professor Keri Thomas described the bill as "terrifying," emphasizing that the lack of safeguards could lead to patients feeling that assisted dying is their only option.

St Helens Star

The House of Lords, known for its revising role, will engage in a detailed examination of the bill. With a record number of peers signed up to speak, the debate is expected to be extensive. Lord Charlie Falconer, the bill's sponsor in the Lords, has expressed confidence in its passage, while opponents, including Bishop Dame Sarah Mullally, have called for a focus on enhancing palliative care instead of legalizing assisted dying.

Church bishop opposes assisted dying in historic Lords debate

The bill will undergo its Second Reading on September 19, where peers may propose amendments. If passed, it will proceed to committee, report, and Third Reading stages in the Lords. The government has four years to establish an assisted dying service if the bill becomes law, but significant scrutiny and potential amendments could delay its implementation.

St Helens StarBishop slams assisted dying bill - warns of risks to vulnerableHouse of Lords Committee slams ‘highly inappropriate’ assisted suicide Bill

• “They explained: “These wide-ranging powers on a highly sensitive issue cannot be outsourced to ministers, and subjected to, at best, minimal parliamentary scrutiny.” — Lord Forsyth of Drumlean

House of Lords Committee slams ‘highly inappropriate’ assisted suicide Bill

• “‘Assisted dying is not a “choice” if care is not yet good enough for everyone,’ she says.” — Professor Keri Thomas

The Spectator (uk)

• “She said: "I have repeatedly expressed deep concerns about this Bill, outlining my grave fears regarding its potential to disproportionately impact the most vulnerable in our society.” — Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London

Church bishop opposes assisted dying in historic Lords debate