London: The implementation of Britain’s proposed assisted dying law for terminally ill patients could be delayed until 2029, raising uncertainty over the future of the legislation.
In a landmark vote last year, British lawmakers approved a bill to legalize assisted dying, positioning the country to join nations such as Australia, Canada, and select U.S. states in enacting one of the most significant social reforms in decades. However, the timeline for the law’s enactment may be extended from two years to four, under proposed changes led by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who is sponsoring the bill, according to a statement from her office on Wednesday.
Key Amendments Could Extend Timeline
The bill, if passed, would grant mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales—those with six months or less to live—the right to seek medical assistance to end their lives.
Public opinion polls indicate widespread support for assisted dying, with advocates arguing that the law should reflect societal attitudes toward end-of-life choices. Despite the bill’s initial approval in November, it must still navigate through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before becoming law.
One of the key amendments proposes eliminating the requirement for a High Court judge to approve each case, replacing it with a panel of experts consisting of a senior legal figure, psychiatrists, and social workers. Leadbeater noted that establishing a voluntary commission of experts would take more time than the original approach of referring cases to the High Court, thereby extending the implementation period.
Law Could Be Enacted Sooner
Despite the potential delay, Leadbeater emphasized that the four-year timeframe is a contingency, not a fixed target.
“Four years is very much a backstop; it is not a target,” she stated.
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However, if the legislation is not implemented before 2029, it risks being pushed beyond the next general election—required to be held by August of that year—leaving it vulnerable to potential changes in government policy.
Debate Over Safeguards and Ethical Concerns
Proponents of the bill argue that it would alleviate suffering for terminally ill individuals, granting them greater autonomy over their final moments. Conversely, opponents caution that the proposed safeguards may not be sufficient to prevent undue pressure or coercion on vulnerable individuals.
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Meanwhile, the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency, made history on Tuesday by approving an assisted dying bill. The island has now become the first jurisdiction within the British Isles to grant terminally ill individuals the legal right to end their lives with medical assistance.
