Assisted dying bill to be debated in House of Lords

Peers in opposition to assisted dying are raising concerns about a bill seeking to legalize it in England and Wales, as the proposed legislation is set to be debated in Parliament once again. The House of Lords is preparing for a two-day discussion on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Advocates are calling on peers to uphold the decision made by MPs in June to support the bill, rather than attempting to overturn it. On the other hand, opponents argue that the bill is flawed and requires amendments.

Baroness Luciana Berger, a prominent critic of the bill, has introduced an amendment calling for further evidence from professionals and ministers before the bill is debated in the Lords. She expressed disappointment in what she described as an underdeveloped piece of legislation that lacked proper scrutiny. The bill in question does not address essential aspects, leaving uncertainties about how assisted dying would be implemented in practice.

A report released by the House of Lords Constitution Committee emphasized the lack of scrutiny and deliberation given to the bill, especially considering its sensitive subject matter. Another Lords committee cautioned about the broad and unspecified powers granted to the government in the bill. Despite these concerns, Lord Falconer stressed the importance of respecting the decision made by the Commons in favor of assisted dying, while still open to improving the legislation.

The bill proposes to allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales, with less than six months to live, to request an assisted death under specific conditions. Approval would require the consent of two doctors and a panel consisting of a social worker, senior legal figure, and psychiatrist. The debate in the House of Lords is expected to involve nearly 200 peers, including former prime minister Baroness May, former ministers, and bishops. The route for potential changes or amendments to the bill will be revealed as the process unfolds in the coming months

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