Assisted dying bill to get further scrutiny by Lords committee

"Charlie Falconer, the sponsor of the bill in the Lords, said he would support the setting up of a special committee to take further evidence from experts, saying: We have got a job of work to do. But he warned peers against voting down the bill in its entirety at a later stage, saying that it was the job of the Lords to scrutinise legislation after elected MPs made a decision."

"The legislation proposes allowing terminally ill adults in England and Wales, who have fewer than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist. Some of its critics are concerned it has not been determined how the process will work, where it will take place and how it will be funded."

Peers approved the assisted dying legislation at second reading in the House of Lords without a vote, allowing further scrutiny later this autumn. A special select committee will examine funding, effects on existing services and how assisted dying would take place after a motion by Luciana Berger. The committee will gather expert evidence and is likely to include about a dozen peers. The legislation would permit terminally ill adults in England and Wales with fewer than six months to live to apply for assisted death, subject to approval by two doctors and a panel including a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist. The committee must report by 7 November.

Read at www.theguardian.com