Bid to legalise 'assisted suicide'

Bid to legalise 'assisted suicide'

Diane Pretty Camapigned for the right to die

High profile right to die cases have highlighted the need for legalised "assisted suicide", says a former lawyer as he launches a bill in the House of Lords.

Lord Joel Joffe, a retired human rights lawyer, is to introduce the private members "Patient Assisted Dying Bill".

Lord Joffe's Bill, which stands little chance of becoming law, would allow a terminally ill adult to ask for medical help to end their life.

Under the planned legislation a competent adult who is either terminally ill or has a serious incurable physical illness would need two doctors, including a consultant to confirm their diagnosis.

Alternatives

The doctors would have to prove that all the alternatives had been considered, including palliative and hospice care.

Then the patient would need to make a written declaration that they wished to die.

This would then need to be witnessed by a solicitor.

Lord Joffe, who has defended Nelson Mandela, said the terminally ill needed to be given better choices.

Every poll in the last decade shows over 80% public support in favour of changing the law

Lord Joffe

"The Diane Pretty and Reginald Crew cases highlighted the pressing need to allow terminally ill competent adults greater choice in the manner of their death.

"This issue has been debated at length in the media and every poll in the last decade shows over 80% public support in favour of changing the law.

"The debate must now be brought into parliament."

Motor Neurone Disease sufferers Diane Pretty and Reginald Crew fought for the right to die. Mr Crew had an assisted suicide in Switzerland.

Vulnerable

But Lord Joffe said it was vital that the bill ensured the safety of the vulnerable.

The Bill also includes an opt-out clause for doctors who feel they cannot help a patient for reasons of conscience.

There would also be a "waiting period" introduced so that patients are able to give the decision more consideration.

The Bill, which receives its first reading on Thursday, has the backing of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society.