Assisted dying and the Bill

What this lesson covers

Where the law stands, October 2026
What happened to the Bills
Name the model before you argue
The strongest case each way
If a patient asks you
How this comes up on the day

The words to use

Assisted suicide: A clinician provides a lethal drug and the patient takes it themselves. This was the Westminster Bill's model, limited to terminal illness.
Euthanasia: A clinician gives the drug that ends a patient's life at their request. Canada allows this; the Westminster Bill did not.
Suicide Act 1961, section 2: Makes encouraging or assisting suicide a crime in England and Wales, with up to 14 years in prison. Prosecution needs the DPP's consent.
DPP policy: Crown Prosecution Service guidance (2010, updated 2014) on when to prosecute. Compassion and a settled wish weigh against prosecution; a professional caring role weighs in favour.
Non-abandonment: Continuing to care for a patient whatever your view on assisted dying: no obstruction, no withdrawal, no lecture.

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The words to use

Assisted suicide

A clinician provides a lethal drug and the patient takes it themselves. This was the Westminster Bill's model, limited to terminal illness.

Euthanasia

A clinician gives the drug that ends a patient's life at their request. Canada allows this; the Westminster Bill did not.

Suicide Act 1961, section 2

Makes encouraging or assisting suicide a crime in England and Wales, with up to 14 years in prison. Prosecution needs the DPP's consent.

DPP policy

Crown Prosecution Service guidance (2010, updated 2014) on when to prosecute. Compassion and a settled wish weigh against prosecution; a professional caring role weighs in favour.

Non-abandonment

Continuing to care for a patient whatever your view on assisted dying: no obstruction, no withdrawal, no lecture.