Summary
The House of Lords in the UK is debating a bill that could allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to choose assisted dying. The bill has already been supported by MPs but faces opposition from some peers who believe it needs more scrutiny. Over two days, nearly 200 peers, including former high-level officials, will discuss the bill.
Key Facts
- The bill is called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
- It aims to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults with less than six months to live.
- Approval would be required from two doctors and a panel consisting of a social worker, a senior legal figure, and a psychiatrist.
- The bill has already been backed by MPs in the House of Commons.
- Baroness Luciana Berger has proposed an amendment for further evidence collection before deeper Lords debate.
- Almost 200 members are expected to contribute to the debate in the House of Lords.
- Concerns include potential coercion, safeguarding measures, mental capacity assessments, and implementation details.
- The bill's progress will depend on debates and potential changes suggested by the House of Lords, with initial discussions spread over two days.
