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Kim Leadbeater Proposes Assisted Dying Bill Requiring Judge Approval for Terminally Ill

Nov 12, 2024, 08:07 AM

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has introduced the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales, claiming it has the 'strictest safeguards' in the world. Under the proposed legislation, terminally ill adults with less than six months to live would be able to request assistance to end their own lives. The process would require approval from two independent doctors and a High Court judge, and patients must fill in a declaration form. Coercion to end one's life would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The bill was published on Monday ahead of a parliamentary debate and vote scheduled for 29 November. While supporters, including terminally ill patient Nathaniel Dye who implored MPs to consider the bill as 'my very death depends on it,' argue it offers a compassionate choice, some MPs and medical professionals have expressed concerns. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that MPs must 'make their own mind up,' and Labour leader Keir Starmer has yet to decide how he will vote. Assisted dying is currently illegal in the UK, and Leadbeater estimates that fewer than 1,000 patients a year may opt for it under the new law.