How could assisted dying laws change across the UK?

"She argued that too many people "have a horrible, harrowing death" under the current system. Her bill would allow terminally ill people to end their life if they: are over 18, live in England or Wales, and have been registered with a GP for at least 12 months have the mental capacity to make the choice and be deemed to have expressed a clear, settled and informed wish, free from coercion or pressure are expected to die within six months."

"Once an application has been approved, the patient would have to wait 14 days before proceeding. A doctor would prepare the substance being used to end the patient's life, but the person would take it themselves. The bill defines the coordinating doctor as a registered medical practitioner with "training, qualifications and experience" at a level to be specified by the health secretary."

Multiple jurisdictions across the British Isles are advancing assisted dying legislation. Jersey's parliament will vote on final legislation following days of debate. Scotland's MSPs are scheduled to vote in March, while England and Wales have a bill backed by MPs in November 2024 that faces slow progress in the House of Lords. Isle of Man passed its own bill in March 2025, but implementation is blocked pending UK Ministry of Justice review of safeguards. Proposed eligibility criteria typically include terminal illness diagnosis, mental capacity assessment, waiting periods, and dual doctor approval. The legislation remains highly controversial with strong arguments on both sides regarding end-of-life autonomy and protection of vulnerable populations.

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