Assisted Dying Bill Faces Scrutiny Over Safeguards and Ethical Concerns

The proposed law, granting terminally ill adults the right to assisted death, is under parliamentary review with amendments and ethical debates at the forefront.

• The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, passed by MPs in November, is undergoing committee scrutiny to address proposed amendments and safeguard concerns.
• Key issues include whether doctors should be allowed to raise assisted dying with patients, with the British Medical Association opposing restrictions on such discussions.
• Proposed changes include requiring psychiatric assessments, removing the six-month terminal illness time limit, and replacing High Court approval with a panel of experts.
• Supporters argue the bill provides dignity and choice for terminally ill patients, while critics fear risks of coercion, inaccurate diagnoses, and ethical dilemmas for medical professionals and judges.
• The bill is expected to progress to detailed scrutiny in February, with a Commons vote anticipated in April and potential consideration in the Lords before summer.

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