UK Bill Proposes Strict Safeguards for Assisted Dying

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater is set to introduce a historic bill to legalize assisted dying, claiming it will include the strictest safeguards against coercion globally. The proposed legislation will require terminally ill patients to be over 18, mentally capable, and expected to die within six months, with the process involving two independent doctors and a high court judge. The bill, which will be debated in the House of Commons on November 29, aims to provide hope for those wishing for a better death while ensuring protections against undue pressure. However, significant concern remains among some MPs about the potential risks, including coercion and the implications for palliative care. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and the Archbishop of Canterbury have voiced opposition, highlighting fears of a 'slippery slope' and the moral implications of assisted dying. Leadbeater emphasizes that the bill has been crafted through extensive consultations with various stakeholders to ensure it is a credible and well-considered proposal.