Overview

• The bill would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live to request assisted dying, subject to approval by two doctors and an expert panel.
• More than 1,000 doctors, including leading NHS figures and researchers, signed a letter warning the legislation poses a real threat to patient safety, risks widening social inequalities and leaves vulnerable groups at risk of coercion.
• TV doctor Hilary Jones endorsed the bill as kind and compassionate, stating the current law forces medics to “look over their shoulders” and pledging he would assist eligible patients if legalisation proceeds.
• The Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Psychiatrists have voiced concerning deficiencies and serious concerns about the bill’s ability to safeguard patients and protect medical staff.
• The bill is due for its third reading and final Commons vote on June 20, with MPs set to consider further amendments before it advances to the House of Lords.