A Bill to require the Secretary of State to issue guidance about the application of the criminal law in respect of the administration of pain relief by healthcare professionals to people who are terminally ill; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
Sir Edward LeighConservative
6 May 2026
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The Terminal Illness (Relief of Pain) Bill would require the government to publish guidance on how criminal law is applied when healthcare professionals relieve pain for terminally ill patients. The aim is to give clinicians clearer rules so they can treat pain without fear of criminal liability, while ensuring the law is followed. It does not change the law itself, but clarifies its application.
The bill is currently at the 2nd Reading in the House of Commons. The first reading took place on 20 November 2024; the next stage would be Committee of the Whole House (or a Public Bill Committee), followed by further readings.
Generated 21 February 2026
20 Nov 2024
The 2024-2026 session of Parliament has come to an end so the House of Commons is now prorogued until the next session begins on 13 May 2026. Prorogation is the formal end to the parliamentary year.
This Bill will therefore make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
