On Saturday, the Government said that MPs and peers will be given a free vote on an assisted dying bill. The private members bill, introduced by former Labour lord chancellor Lord Falconer, would allow two doctors to prescribe a lethal dose of drugs to a terminally-ill patient judged to have less than six months to live, reports The Independent. The bill is to come before the Parliament in the next few months.
Under the 1961 Suicide Act, helping someone to take their own life is a criminal offence, and carries a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment. The Director of Public Prosecutions has issued guidelines saying that a person “acting out of compassion” is unlikely to be charged. Still, right-to-die campaigners have called for a clarification of the legislation.
The success of the bill is difficult to predict at this time, but allowing legislators a free vote gives it a significant chance of passing. David Cameron and Nick Clegg have opposed changing the law in the past, but MPs have observed growing support for the motion. In addition, opinion polls have suggested that up to three quarters of the public support a change in the law. On Saturday, Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat Care Minister, said he would vote in favour. Lamb told Sky News:
Can we really be comfortable with a situation where people, acting out of compassion for a loved one who is dying, are left uncertain as to whether they will face prosecution?
However, churches, anti-euthanasia groups and disability campaigners have warned that a change in the law would lead to vulnerable people being pressured to end their lives.
You can read more about why it has been so difficult for the main parties to address assisted dying in Alex Stevenson’s article here.
