9
Deferred
Diverse assisted dying models exist; better data collection and independent oversight are crucial.
Conclusion
There are as many ways to operate AD/AS as there are jurisdictions which have legalised it, but there are two distinct models: one limiting its availability to those with a terminal illness and the other adding provision for unbearable suffering. What has become clear to us is that better data collection, independently verified and overseen by a dedicated body, leads to a better understanding of how the whole AD/AS process is working. The overall trend is that numbers of AD/AS will increase from the time of introduction, but opinions differ about the cause of the increase. Many of the jurisdictions we have looked at introduced AD/AS very recently, and there is still much to learn as time passes. (Paragraph 144) Involvement of physicians and assessments of eligibility and capacity to give informed consent
Government Response Summary
The government redirects responsibility for any change to the law regarding Assisted Dying/Assisted Suicide to Parliament, stating it is a matter of conscience for individual parliamentarians rather than a government policy matter.
Government Response
Deferred
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The long-held position of successive UK governments is that any change to the law of England and Wales in this area is a matter for Parliament and an issue of conscience for individual parliamentarians rather than one for government policy. It would be for the UK Parliament to develop a specific proposal on AD/AS reform, not the Government, because this is a matter of conscience.
Source
Committee
Health and Social Care Committee
Inquiry
Assisted dying/assisted suicide
Report
Second Report - Assisted Dying/Assisted Suicide
29 Feb 2024
HC 321
Addressee Bodies
Department of Health and Social Care
Timeline
Recommendation age
2.3 yrs
Report published
29 Feb 2024