Assisted Dying Coalition

Today MPs debated the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill as part of Report Stage. They debated a series of amendments, and voted on two.

Andrew Copson, Chief Executive for Humanists UK said:

‘We welcome today’s debate on assisted dying, with many eloquently standing up for compassion and dignity, emphasising that no-one should be compelled to endure unnecessary suffering at the end of life. We hope MPs remain committed to crafting a law that is robust and safe, yet deeply mindful of the experiences and dignity of those facing their final days.’

What happened today, in summary

The changes to the Bill debated today were: ‘Obligations, duties and protections for medical practitioners, hospices and care homes; The procedure for receiving assistance under the Act including safeguards and protections; Eligibility and mental capacity.’

Amendment NC10 (widening opt-outs) was agreed to without a vote. Amendment (a) to NC10, which would essentially have allowed employers as a whole to opt their employees out regardless of the employees’ views, was defeated 279 to 243.

MPs will return on 13 June to debate amendments on: ‘Approved substances and devices; Advertising; Inquests; investigations and death certification; Guidance and codes of practice; Welsh language; Monitoring, consultation and reviews; The Assisted Dying Commissioner; Implementation; Regulations; Extent; Commencement.’ Following this debate, they will vote on chosen amendments – including those from today that were not yet voted upon. It is unclear as to whether they will get through all votes on 13 June. If not, they will continue onto 20 June. After that, they will have Third Reading, where they will vote on the Bill again as a whole.

The Scottish Parliament has voted in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. Members of the Assisted Dying Coalition have welcomed the vote.

MSPs voted 70 in favour, 56 against on Stage 1 of the Bill, which is about general principles. There will be another two rounds of voting and amendments before the Bill passes fully. No Assisted Dying Bill in Scotland has ever made it past Stage 1.

Emma Cooper, Convenor of Friends at the End, said:

‘Today is a landmark moment for compassion, dignity, and choice in Scotland. As someone who has seen firsthand the pain that can accompany the end of life, I know how vital it is that we give people the right to die on their own terms. This Bill is not about giving up, it’s about empowering those who are dying to have control, peace, and a say in their final days. While this is not yet law, passing Stage 1 means the Scottish Parliament now has the opportunity to consider amendments and work together to create the right legislation for Scotland. On behalf of Friends at the End, we welcome this historic step forward and stand with all those who have waited so long for this moment.’

Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:

‘Today’s decision is a monumental step forward for human rights and compassion. This victory demonstrates Scotland’s leadership in recognising the fundamental right of terminally ill individuals to make dignified and autonomous choices about their own deaths. No-one should be forced to suffer at the end of life, and this law ensures that terminally ill adults will now have greater control and peace of mind.’

Glasgow-based Kevan Donoghue died at age 64, 18 months after a shock diagnosis of a rare bile duct cancer. Suffering from constant pain, Kevin died after not eating or drinking for three weeks as a result of his illness. His wife, ex-nurse Patricia Donoghue, suffers from PTSD following her husband’s death. Commenting on the vote, Patricia Donoghue said:

‘I am relieved and pleased with this result. It is a significant step forward for supporters of this legislation. It won’t immediately change the law, but it indicates real backing in the Scottish Parliament to continue refining and debating the Bill. It is a major milestone as previous attempts in Scotland have failed. Scotland is moving towards legally assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The hard work continues.’

Introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill is a Private Member’s Bill. It will allow terminally ill adults in Scotland to lawfully request, and be provided with, assistance by health professionals to end their own life.

Westminster will debate amendments to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which will apply to England and Wales, at Report Stage on Friday 16 May. Assisted dying legislation in the Isle of Man passed in March and is awaiting royal assent.

Humanists UK, My Death, My Decision, Humanist Society Scotland, and Friends at the End are all part of the Assisted Dying Coalition, a group of organisations across the UK and Crown Dependencies who campaign for a compassionate assisted dying law

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033 (media only).

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

The post Scottish Assisted Dying Bill passes historic first vote appeared first on My Death, My Decision.

The Government’s impact assessments for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, published today, demonstrate that assisted dying can be delivered safely, ethically, and compassionately in England and Wales. Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision have welcomed the reports.

Coming two weeks before the Bill returns to the Commons for the next stage of legislative scrutiny, the impact reports outline the costs associated with the law and the impact on different groups, drawing from evidence in 25 other jurisdictions where assisted dying is already established.

Overall there are predicted to be cost savings for the state if the law does change – though the sums of at most tens of millions are negligible in the context of the £180 billion annual NHS spend. Regardless, the decision on whether to change the law should not be about economics, but on whether assisted dying is the right approach in principle.

Terminally ill people of sound mind who have a clear and settled wish to die are suffering enormously under the law as it stands, or else finding ways to end their lives without safeguards. This Bill will enable them to end their lives with appropriate safeguards through a proper legal framework.

Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK said:

‘These impact assessments are part and parcel of the scrutiny process that effective legislation requires, adding another layer to a Bill that has already seen months of thorough debate in the House of Commons at committee stage in addition to its pre-legislative development. We’re pleased to see that the Government has done such a thorough job.

‘Assisted dying isn’t untested. Legislation is already working in over 31 jurisdictions across the world, where implementation in Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Europe has shown it to be safe, compassionate, and practical. It’s time for Parliament to grant people the dignity and autonomy they deserve at the end of life.’

Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision said:

‘These reports confirm what we have long known – that our current laws are failing dying people and that the current status quo is unacceptable. Every day we delay is another day someone is denied the choice to die with dignity, free from prolonged pain and suffering.

Assisted dying is not a fringe issue – it is a mainstream, compassionate cause backed by the majority of the public. These reports must be a catalyst for action. It’s time for Parliament to take a clear-eyed, humane look at how we care for those at the end of their lives.’

On 16 May, all MPs will have the opportunity to debate the Bill for the first time since it was strengthened considerably by its public bill committee. The impact assessments’ findings have shown that the Bill is feasible and workable, as well as overwhelmingly supported by UK citizens.

In March, the Isle of Man became the first jurisdiction in the UK and Crown dependencies to pass an assisted dying law following a historic vote. The Bill will make assisted dying available to adult Isle of Man residents who are of sound mind, are terminally ill, have twelve months or fewer to live, and have a clear and settled wish to die.

 

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

The post My Death, My Decision and Humanists UK welcome Assisted Dying Bill impact assessment appeared first on My Death, My Decision.

The special Oireachtas committee in the Republic of Ireland is set to recommend that legislation should be introduced to allow for assisted dying. Humanists UK welcomes this move by the Irish committee and urges Westminster to take note.

Disappointingly, just last week the UK Health and Social Care Committee released their report on assisted dying which didn’t go as far as to recommend change.

Following late-night votes on Wednesday evening, the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying agreed to recommend that legislation be introduced to allow for assisted dying for people with terminal illnesses. People with incurable, irreversible, progressive and advanced illnesses that will cause death within six months will be eligible. This time limit is likely to be set at 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions.

The Committee’s final report is due to be published on 20 March.

The report will likely recommend that Irish citizens or Irish residents will be eligible, which could mean that Northern Irish people will be able to travel to Ireland for an assisted death. Bangor Humanists will be hosting an event on assisted dying on 20 March. Sign up here.

In October, Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson gave evidence to the committee. He set out the humanist case that any assisted dying law should be based on relieving unnecessary suffering, and that adults of sound mind who are intolerably suffering from a physical, incurable condition should have this end-of-life choice.

Senator Annie Hoey, who was on the committee, will address UK politicians at the All-Party Parliamentary Humanists Group meeting in Westminster on 19 March.

Nathan Stilwell, Assisted Dying Campaign for Humanists UK, said:

‘Well done to the Irish special Oireachtas committee on assisted dying for taking an evidence-based and compassionate approach. It’s brilliant to see such a bold move after just a week ago a Westminster committee did not vote for any change in the law. We look forward to reading the full report.

The UK Government must legalise assisted dying. The evidence is clear, the people are united in wanting change and not one more Brit should have to go through an unnecessarily painful death when other countries are repeatedly showing that a more compassionate route is possible.’

A new study published today shows that the majority of UK residents who travel to Switzerland for an assisted death would not be helped by the laws considered by Parliament to date. My Death, My Decision urges politicians to support an assisted dying law that recognises intolerable suffering and makes these journeys to Switzerland unnecessary.

Every law that has been proposed in the UK so far has been based on the legislation introduced by the US state of Oregon in 1997. Under the ‘Oregon Model’, only people with a terminal illness who have six months left to live or less are eligible to have an assisted death. 

Many people seeking an assisted death suffer from slow degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Motor Neurone Disease and cannot be said to have “only six months left to live”.  This study shows that more than half the UK residents going to Switzerland have such conditions, and would likely be ineligible under a UK assisted dying law requiring a six-month prognosis. 

The paper was published in the BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. Read it here.

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision said:

“The next parliament must legislate to reflect overwhelming public support for assisted dying. We urge politicians to vote for an ethical and compassionate law that will not discriminate with arbitrary eligibility criteria. We know that many MPs have spoken with constituents with conditions like ALS, Huntington’s and Motor Neurone Disease, who want and deserve the right to have a dignified death on their own terms.

We need a law that would have worked for Tony Nicklinson and Paul Lamb, the men who fought for the right to receive assistance for their self-determined death through the courts and whose Supreme Court challenges remain landmark cases.”

Table 1 Diagnoses of UK Residents receiving an assisted death in Switzerland

Diagnosis	Deaths	%
Cancer	92	22.7%
Neurological diagnosis	201	49.6%
Chronic Pain	21	5.2%
Dementia incl Huntingtons	13	3.2%
Cardiovascular	7	1.7%
Respiratory	8	2%
Gastrointestinal	3	0.7%
Misc/Multi-Morbidity	60	14.8%
Total	405	100%

Table 2 UK Residents with neurological diagnoses receiving an assisted death in Switzerland

	UK Residents
	Nos	% of all patients
Motor neurone disease	79	19.5
Parkinsons/ Multiple system atrophy (MSA)	15	3.7
Multiple Sclerosis	63	15.5
Spinal problems/stenosis	9	2.2
Progressive Supranulear Palsy	7	1.7
Paralysis*	11	2.7
Ataxia	3	0.7
Locked in syndrome	1	0.5
Other	13	3.4
TOTAL	201	49.6
* incl tetraplegia and status after stroke

The study:

Analysis was carried out by Marie-Claire Hopwood, palliative care consultant, Dr Graham Winyard, retired public health physician and former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Colin Brewer, retired psychiatrist and former director of Westminster Hospital’s community alcoholism treatment service.

They analysed the diagnoses of UK residents who had an assisted death during periods between 2005 and 2022 at all three of the Swiss organisations that provide this service to non-residents of Switzerland to try to determine what proportion of them would have met that requirement. 

My Death, My Decision recommends that the UK legislation on assisted dying should be based on the following:

Any adult of sound mind who is intolerably suffering from an incurable, physical condition and has a clear and settled wish to die should have the option of an assisted death.

The Health and Social Care Committee is currently running an inquiry into assisted dying. It is likely to be published soon. 

Progress on assisted dying legislation is being made in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man. Each jurisdiction is due to debate the issue next year.

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

Read more about our work with the Assisted Dying Inquiry: https://www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/2023/07/13/our-summary-the-assisted-dying-inquiry/ 

The post Swiss assisted dying data shows proposed UK laws are inadequate appeared first on My Death, My Decision.

The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has said he would support allowing enough parliamentary time for a meaningful debate and vote on assisted dying. Mr Sunak also pledged to introduce assisted dying laws if parliament wanted to change the law, saying the government would “facilitate” it in a “legally effective” way.

My Death, My Decision welcomes the Prime Minister’s comments and will push for an assisted dying Private Member’s Bill to be introduced at the next opportunity.

Earlier this year the leader of the opposition, Keir Starmer, made a similar pledge of parliamentary time.

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision said:

“This is huge. Both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the opposition have now said they would make parliamentary time for a meaningful vote on assisted dying. This is welcome progress towards more compassionate end-of-life choices for people suffering unbearably from incurable conditions. 

With the vast majority of the public in favour of law change, voters from all parties have been pushing for a proper debate and vote on this crucial issue. It’s about time we stopped exporting compassion to Switzerland and gave suffering people the choice of how and when they wish their life to end.”

Sunak made the comments to campaigner Matt Ryan, 44, who told him that reforms could have eased the suffering his family faced when both his father, David Minns, and his sister, Katie, died from cancer.

There has not been a vote on assisted dying since 2015. The most recent attempt to change the law ended when a Bill in the House of Lords ran out of time in 2021. There are currently no votes or debates expected on this topic in this parliamentary term.

The Health and Social Care Committee is currently running an inquiry into assisted dying. The date of the report’s publication is likely to be announced soon. 

Progress on assisted dying legislation is being made in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man. Each jurisdiction is due to debate the issue this year.

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable physical condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

Read more about our work with the Assisted Dying Inquiry: https://www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/2023/07/13/our-summary-the-assisted-dying-inquiry/ 

The post Rishi backs time for assisted dying vote appeared first on My Death, My Decision.

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has said MPs should be allowed to vote on assisted dying. His comments come alongside several senior politicians, including Michael Gove, Alicia Kearns, Mel Stride, Tobias Ellwood and Darren Jones, who have backed another assisted dying vote in Parliament. The last time MPs voted on assisted dying was 2015. 11 MPs who are now members of Sir Keir’s shadow cabinet supported the bill at the time. Starmer’s comments come in the light of the news that Dame Esther Rantzen, the broadcaster who founded the charities Childline and The Silver Line, said she had joined the assisted dying centre Dignitas. Dame Esther is currently undergoing treatment for stage four lung cancer. Cabinet Member Mel Stride said the government did not have plans to bring the law back to parliament but he would not be resistant to discussions if it did. Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said it was “appropriate for the Commons to revisit [assisted dying]”. Alicia Kearns, Chair of the foreign affairs select committee, said she thought there had been “a fundamental shift in the country, but also in parliament” since 2015.  Kearns told the BBC: “The amount of my colleagues who say ‘I’ve reflected, I’ve changed my views’… I really do think that the national conversation has changed,” Prominent Labour MP Darren Jones has told reporters that an assisted dying debate “should happen” and he believes a debate will happen “sooner rather than later”. The most recent attempt to change the law ended when the bill ran out of time in 2021. There are currently no votes or debates expected on this topic in this parliamentary term. Avengers and Game of Thrones star Diana Rigg recently made headlines when she made an impassioned case to legalise assisted dying in a message recorded shortly before her death. The message was released by her daughter.  The Health and Social Care Committee is currently running an inquiry into assisted dying. It was due to publish its findings this year, but due to the debate around the report, it is likely to be published early in 2024.  Progress on assisted dying legislation is being made in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man. Each jurisdiction is due to debate the issue next year. Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision said: “We welcome Sir Keir Starmer’s comments that there are “grounds for changing the law” on assisted dying. The current status quo forces British citizens into an impossible choice: flee abroad for an assisted death in a foreign country or stay at home and suffer. The current law is barbaric. In the next parliament, we desperately need a proper debate and vote on this vital issue. The vast majority of voters want to see a change in the law. Adults who are intolerably suffering from a physical condition that cannot be cured and have come to a clear and settled wish to die should be allowed that right.” Notes: Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033. My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives. Read more about our work with the Assisted Dying Inquiry: https://www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/2023/07/13/our-summary-the-assisted-dying-inquiry/  The post Keir Starmer backs assisted dying vote appeared first on My Death, My Decision.

An Assisted Dying Bill in the Isle of Man has passed its second reading in parliament, a key stage of a bill’s passage into legislation. Humanists UK welcomes this important step and hopes that the Isle of Man will be the first part of the British Isles to legalise assisted dying.

The Bill would give terminally ill people on the Isle of Man the choice to end their own life. Now that the Bill has passed the second reading, it will enter the clause stage where individual elements of the bill can be scrutinised and voted on. This could be done by a committee of five members, or a committee of the entire House of Keys, the Isle of Man’s lower chamber. A committee of the entire house proved effective in the creation of the island’s abortion bill.

Before the third stage of the bill, Humanists UK hopes to see the eligibility criteria changed to include individuals who are incurably and intolerably suffering.

Nathan Stilwell, Humanist UK’s assisted dying campaigner, spoke to Members of the House of Keys and Legislative Council last week, making the case for them to adopt the most forward-thinking and compassionate law possible, similar to how the Isle of Man voted to introduce the most liberal abortion regime in the British Isles in 2018.

Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaigner Nathan Stilwell said:

‘We are delighted that the Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill has passed its second reading. The Isle of Man has moved past other parts of the British Isles to show that a compassionate, evidence-based approach is possible.

‘However, it’s important that the incurably, intolerably suffering, not just the terminally ill, are included in any assisted dying legislation. People with neurological conditions like MND and Huntington’s deserve the right to choose to end their suffering on their terms, and if legislation is only limited to people who have six months left to live, this choice could be denied to them.’

The Assisted Dying Coalition represents a group of organisations within the UK and Crown Dependencies that advocate for the legal recognition of the right to die. We aim to legalise assisted dying for individuals who are terminally ill or facing incurable suffering and have expressed a clear and settled wish to end their lives.

This article provides an overview of the latest progress and updates regarding assisted dying legislation in different regions.

England & Wales

The Health and Social Care Committee is presently conducting an inquiry into assisted dying. The committee received an overwhelming response from the public, with over 63,000 submissions, along with nearly 300 written responses from experts and organisations. Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision have also provided written evidence to the inquiry.

Initial findings from a public survey and insights gained from a fact-finding visit to Oregon have already been published by the committee. They have also heard oral evidence from a diverse range of international experts. Although the report publication timeline remains uncertain, we anticipate that it will not make a definitive recommendation either for or against reform.

No assisted dying Bills are currently progressing through Parliament, and there are unlikely to be any prior to the next general election.

Scotland

Liam McArthur MSP has secured the right to introduce the proposed Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. The drafting process for this bill is currently underway, and it is expected to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament later in 2023.

As the consultation document highlighted, the proposed bill in Scotland is set to be the most comprehensive ever presented, addressing the complex and challenging issues that previous bills did not adequately cover. McArthur and his team have received support from a medical advisory group comprising experts in various disciplines, including palliative medicine, mental capacity, public health, and pharmacology. Additionally, international stakeholders have been consulted to ensure evidence-based policymaking.

Once introduced, the bill will undergo scrutiny by a lead committee, which will consider oral and written evidence. The committee will then publish a report on the proposal prior to the Stage 1 vote in the chamber. If the bill secures a majority, Stage 2 will involve amendments, and Stage 3 will be the final stage leading to the bill’s submission for Royal Assent. Supporters in Scotland can voice their support for legal reform by contacting their MSPs using the Humanist Society Scotland’s dedicated tool.

Jersey

In November 2021, Jersey made the historic decision to support assisted dying ‘ in principle’. However, the timeline for this process has been subject to delays. The States assembly was initially scheduled to discuss detailed proposals in May 2023, but this is now anticipated to occur in 2024 or 2025, with the actual law yet to be drafted.

The assembly produced “detailed proposals” which seemed robust, sensible and a positive step forward. End of Life Choices Jersey and members of the ADC welcomed certain aspects of the proposals but warned against imposing additional burdens and delays on those experiencing unbearable suffering compared to individuals with a terminal prognosis.

The States subsequently issued a feedback report in April 2023 summarising the received input. However, it did not outline how they intend to refine the proposals. Surprisingly, an additional consultation, termed an “Ethics Review,” has now been introduced. Details about the purpose and stakeholders involved in this review remain undisclosed.

The timetable going forward is now said to be as follows:

• May 2023: Proposals to be refined using consultation feedback
• June 2023: Council of Ministers to agree refined proposals
• Summer 2023: Ethics review on proposals undertaken
• Autumn 2023: Proposals to be further refined using ethics review
• December 2023: Lodge proposals for debate
• February 2024: States Assembly debate
• March 2024: Law drafting to begin, if proposals approved by States Assembly

Isle of Man

On June 23, the First Reading of the Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill took place in the House of Keys, the island’s lower house. Earlier that day, members of Tynwald attended a briefing by Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision. During the briefing, Trevor emphasised the inclusion of people suffering intolerably from incurable illnesses in the Bill, which currently covers only those with a six-months prognosis. It is hoped that the eligibility criteria can be expanded at the amendment stage. The Second Reading of the Bill is expected in October.

Outside the UK and the Rest of the world

In Ireland, an all-party Joint Committee with a time-bound mandate was launched on June 13 to examine the issue of assisted dying. Over the course of nine months, this committee will thoroughly evaluate the subject and present recommendations on whether to proceed with assisted dying legislation by March 2024. Given that a general election is scheduled for March 2025, it is crucial to make progress within the current government’s term. End of Life Ireland (EOLI) and Irish Doctors Supporting MAiD (Medical Assistance In Dying) have jointly organised public information meetings across the country, which will resume in September 2023.

In France, President Macron is expected to introduce assisted dying legislation soon. A Citizen’s Convention overwhelmingly voted in favour of reforming France’s end-of-life laws.

In Portugal, assisted dying was legalised in May. It was approved by parliament four times after repeated vetoes from the president.

In Slovenia, enough signatures were collected in June to table an assisted dying bill.

Note: The information provided in this article reflects the current state of affairs up to July 2023 and may be subject to further changes and updates.