Strict requirements in UK assisted dying bill explained

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide and assisted dying which some readers may find distressing

Politicians are set to decide if assisted dying will become law in the United Kingdom, with MPs given a free vote on the issue free of political party interference.

And the Member of Parliament who has put forward the proposed legislation has said that there will be strict requirements it it does indeed become law in England and Wales.

Currently, it is illegal to help or encourage someone to take their own life, with it carrying a prison sentence of up to 14 years behind bars.

But under Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's draft legislation, there would be strict rules to go alongside those who wish to take their own life for whatever reason is making them enquire to do so.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said MPs will be able to vote however they want on this matter, with it being an incredibly sensitive issue.

Sir Keir said: "It’s going to be a free vote and I mean that. It will be for every MP to decide for themselves how they want to vote.

"I’m not going to be putting any pressure whatsoever on Labour MPs. They will be making their own mind up, as I will be."

Setting out the bill on Monday (11 November), Leadbeater detailed six key requirements that would be needed if someone wanted to end their life.

Firstly, the patient must be at least 18-years-old and have the mental capacity to make the choice, freely. They have to also be terminally ill and expect to die within a six month period.

In enquiring about assisted dying, the patient has to express a 'clear, settled and informed' wish on two different declarations.

From a doctors standpoint, two independent medics must clear the patient for eligibility.

A high course judge has to then approve the application lodged by the patient, with them hearing from one of the doctors who has cleared the patient's application. They have the power to question the patient if they want to, alongside anyone else.

After this stage, the medicine that ends the patient's life has to be self-administered. Doctors cannot do this.

Lastly, those who try and coerce or pressure someone to seek assisted dying would face criminal conviction, with 14 years behind bars on the cards.

On the bill, MPs will now debate and and cast their votes on 29 November. After this, further debates and votes would be needed if the vote passes, with it not automatically made in to law.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has already said he intends to vote against the Bill, voicing his fears about coercion and people feeling a 'duty to die', while the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has warned of legalisation leading to a 'slippery slope' in terms of who is eligible.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has previously stated she will oppose the Bill, saying she has has an 'unshakeable belief in the sanctity and value of human life'.

High-profile supporters of a change in the law include Dame Esther Rantzen, who is terminally ill and revealed in December that she had joined Dignitas due to the current law.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.