Overview

• A government impact assessment estimates up to 787 assisted deaths in the first year, rising to as many as 4,559 annually by year ten.
• The proposed legislation allows terminally ill adults with under six months to live to apply for assisted dying, requiring approval from two doctors and a multidisciplinary panel.
• Annual costs for the assisted dying service are projected at £10.9m–£13.6m, with potential NHS savings of up to £10.3m in year one and £59.6m by year ten.
• Critics raise concerns about potential coercion and financial pressures on vulnerable individuals, with disability and palliative care advocates warning of risks.
• MPs will debate and vote on the bill on May 16 under a free-vote system, with the government maintaining a neutral stance on the legislation.