Call for written evidence on assisted dying

The Bill would allow adults who have mental capacity, are terminally ill and are in the final six months of their life, to request assistance from a doctor to end their life.

The Catholic Union is promoting the call for submissions of written evidence to the Public Bill Committee on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill by 20 January, urging people to continue to approach MPs to raise concerns.

The Bill would allow adults who have mental capacity, are terminally ill and are in the final six months of their life, to request assistance from a doctor to end their life. The applicant must be resident in either England or Wales. Two doctors must assess each request, at least seven days apart, to ensure that the person meets the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria include that the person has a “clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life” and that they have reached this decision voluntarily, without coercion or pressure. If both doctors state, independently of one another, that the eligibility criteria have been met, the person may apply to the High Court for approval of their request.

On 16 October 2024, Kim Leadbeater introduced the Bill to the House of Commons. It had its second reading on 29 November 2024 and MPs voted to allow it to proceed to the next stage.

Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols co-signed a multi-faith letter ahead of the vote in parliament expressing opposition to the Bill. After the vote, Bishop John Sherrington, lead bishop for life issues with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, asked “the Catholic community to pray that members of parliament will have the wisdom to reject this bill at a later stage in its progress”.  He added: “It remains the case that improving the quality and availability of palliative care offers the best pathway to reducing suffering at the end of life. We will continue to advocate for this and support those who work tirelessly to care for the dying in our hospices, hospitals and care homes.”

On 29 December the Guardian reported that up to 30 MPs who voted for the Bill at Second Reading could withdraw their support at Third Reading as they further examine concerns such as coercion and the role of medics. Committee stage is expected to be completed by the end of April.

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