Update on Assisted Dying Bill: Expert Panel Proposed to Approve Assisted Dying Requests

The debate surrounding the legalisation of Assisted Dying in England and Wales has progressed, remaining a highly contentious issue among MPs. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP for Spen Valley, is at the forefront of the debate, supporting the cause.

Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill proposes that adults diagnosed with a terminal illness and given less than six months to live, would have the option to request medical assistance to end their lives.

Leadbeater is proposing amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill, which would shift the responsibility of approving assisted deaths from High Court judges to a multidisciplinary panel of experts. The panel, composed of a senior legal expert, a psychiatrist, and a social worker, would assess the mental capacity and potential for coercion in each case.

While Leadbeater initially supported the idea of a High Court judge’s approval, she revised the plan after receiving expert feedback, introducing a Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission, headed by a High Court judge or retired judge. This commission would oversee cases, with the final approval granted by the expert panel.

Critics, including Conservative MPs, argue that the revised safeguards are insufficient, with some claiming the changes compromise the protection of vulnerable people. In contrast, Leadbeater insists the amendments add stronger safeguards by involving multiple professionals in the decision-making process.

As MPs review the bill in detail, Leadbeater’s amendment is set to be debated in the coming days, with a vote expected soon. The debate continues as the proposed changes have sparked concerns on both sides of the argument.

Furthermore, as the final outcome remains uncertain, the conversations surrounding Assisted Dying continue to evolve. Regardless of how it unfolds, it is essential to ensure that your affairs are in order, since we can never predict when our time will be up.