Assisted Dying Bill [HL]

A Bill to enable competent adults who are terminally ill to be provided at their request with specified assistance to end their own life; and for connected purposes

Originating House

House of Lords

Last Updated

5 May 2021

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Assisted Dying Bill would create a legal framework to allow competent adults who are terminally ill to request and receive specified assistance to end their own life, with safeguards to protect people from harm. It would set out eligibility rules, define who may provide assistance, and establish oversight, reporting and penalties for non-compliance.

Key Points

It would create a legal process for eligible terminally ill adults to request and receive specified assistance to end their own life.
It would set eligibility criteria (capacity, terminal illness) and require safeguards to protect vulnerable people.
It would define who may provide assistance and under what circumstances, including where it may take place.
It would create offences and penalties for non-compliance and require reporting and monitoring.
It would establish the bodies and procedures to oversee and regulate the process.

Progress

The bill is currently at the Lords' second reading, where its general principles are debated. If it progresses, it will move to the Lords' committee stage before passing to the House of Commons for consideration.

Who is affected?

Adults who are terminally ill and have decision-making capacityTheir families and carersHealthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, and others involved in care)Hospitals, hospices, care homes and other care settingsRegulators and professional bodies in health and social carePublic and voluntary sector organisations involved in end-of-life care

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Assisted Dying

1 Jan 1970

First reading took place on 28 January. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.

Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.

The 2019-2021 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

HL Bill 69 (as introduced)

BillLords

28 Jan 2020

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Assisted Dying Bill [HL] | TrackPolitics