Proposed Amendments to Assisted Dying Bill Draw Criticism Over Safeguard Changes

MP Kim Leadbeater defends replacing High Court oversight with expert panels, as opponents warn of weakened protections and procedural opacity.

The proposed amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill replace High Court judicial approval with a multidisciplinary panel, including a lawyer, psychiatrist, and social worker, to oversee requests for assisted dying.
Supporters argue the changes strengthen safeguards by involving diverse expertise, while critics claim the removal of judicial oversight undermines trust and transparency in the process.
The amendments allow panels to conduct hearings in private at the applicant's request, raising concerns about accountability and the exclusion of family members from the process.
Opponents, including MPs and legal experts, warn the changes could weaken protections against coercion and undue influence, with some reconsidering their support for the bill.
The bill, which narrowly passed its second reading, faces further scrutiny in committee and could collapse if sufficient MPs withdraw their backing.