Assisted Suicide Bill.

 Assisted suicide bill introduced to Parliament.

Staff writer  26 July 2024

(Photo: Unsplash/NikMacMillan)

Lord Falconer introduced a bill to the House of Lords on Friday that would allow terminally ill adults with six months or fewer to receive medical assistance in ending their lives. 

It is the first reading for his Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill.

Within the provisions of the private members' bill, assisted suicide would require approval by two doctors and the high court.

This type of bill rarely becomes law but Lord Falconcer, a former Labour Justice Secretary, said he was hopeful a similar bill would be introduced to the Commons where it has more chance of passing. 

The last time the House of Commons debated assisted suicide was in 2015 when it was defeated by a wide margin of 333 against, to 118 in favour. 

The years since have seen continued pressure towards a change in the law, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised to allow time for a debate on the issue. 

Lord Falconer has introduced legislation to change the law on assisted suicide six times previously. His last attempt was in 2022 with an amendment to the Health and Care Bill in the House of Lords which was defeated by 179 votes to 145.