Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

A Bill to allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life; and for connected purposes.

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This is not the latest version of the Bill

Available Versions

23 Jun 2025
Lords: Committee
HL Bill 112 (as brought from the Commons)
(433 amendments)
28 Mar 2025
Commons: Report
Bill 212 2024-25 (as amended in Public Bill Committee)
(140 amendments)
Date Debate
Friday 20th June 2025 Report stage
Friday 13th June 2025 Report stage
Friday 16th May 2025 Report stage
11 Nov 2024
Commons: Committee
Bill 012 2024-25 (as introduced)
(617 amendments)
Date Debate
Tuesday 25th March 2025 Committee stage: 29th sitting
Tuesday 25th March 2025 Committee stage: 28th sitting
Wednesday 19th March 2025 Committee stage: 27th sitting
Wednesday 19th March 2025 Committee stage: 26th sitting
Tuesday 18th March 2025 Committee stage: 25th sitting
Tuesday 18th March 2025 Committee stage: 24th sitting
Wednesday 12th March 2025 Committee stage: 23rd sitting
Wednesday 12th March 2025 Committee stage: 22nd sitting
Tuesday 11th March 2025 Committee stage: 21st sitting
Tuesday 11th March 2025 Committee stage: 20th sitting
Wednesday 5th March 2025 Committee stage: 19th sitting
Wednesday 5th March 2025 Committee stage: 18th sitting
Tuesday 4th March 2025 Committee stage: 17th sitting
Tuesday 4th March 2025 Committee stage: 16th sitting
Wednesday 26th February 2025 Committee stage: 15th sitting
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Tuesday 25th February 2025 Committee stage: 12th sitting
Tuesday 25th February 2025 Committee stage: 13th sitting
Wednesday 12th February 2025 Committee stage: 10th sitting
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Wednesday 29th January 2025 Committee stage: 4th sitting
Tuesday 28th January 2025 Committee stage: 3rd sitting
Tuesday 28th January 2025 Committee stage: 2nd sitting
Tuesday 21st January 2025 Committee stage: 1st Sitting

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45 New Clauses Proposed

Page 1

Eligibility to be provided with lawful assistance to voluntarily end own life

 
"Assisted dying"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Clause 1 sets out the circumstances in which assistance can be provided to a person to end their own life.

The person must:

  • be terminally ill (as defined by clause 2);
  • have the necessary capacity to make the decision (which is determined by the existing provisions of the Mental Capacity Act 2005);
  • be aged 18 or over,
  • be ordinarily resident in England and Wales and has been ordinarily resident there for at least 12 months, and
  • be registered as a patient with a GP practice in England or Wales.

Under the general law, the place where a person is “ordinarily resident” is the place where they reside in the ordinary course of their day to day life.

The assistance must be provided in accordance with clauses 5 to 22. Those clauses, amongst other things, require steps to be take to ensure that the person-

  • has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and
  • has made the decision that they wish to end their own life voluntarily and has not been coerced or pressured by any other person in making that decision.
1
Assisted dying
 
 
(1)
A terminally ill person who—
 
 
(a)
has the capacity to make a decision to end their own life (see section
 
 
3),
5
 
(b)
is aged 18 or over at the time the person makes a first declaration (see
 
 
section 5),
 
 
(c)
is ordinarily resident in England and Wales and has been so resident
 
 
for at least 12 months ending with the date of the first declaration,
 
 
and
10
 
(d)
is registered as a patient with a general medical practice in England
 
 
or Wales,
 
 
may, on request, be provided with assistance to end their own life in
 
 
accordance with sections 5 to 22.
 
 
(2)
Sections 5 to 22, in particular, require steps to be taken to establish that the
15
 
person—
 
 
(a)
has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and
 
 
(b)
has made the decision that they wish to end their own life voluntarily
 
 
and has not been coerced or pressured by any other person into
 
 
making it.
20
"Terminal illness"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Subsection (1) defines when a person is “terminally ill” for the purposes of the Bill. The person must have an inevitably progressive illness, disease or medical condition that cannot be reversed by treatment. The person must also be expected to die within 6 months.

Subsection (2) makes it clear that a person is not to be regarded as terminally ill by reason of them being mentally ill or having a disability.

2
Terminal illness
 
 
(1)
For the purposes of this Act, a person is terminally ill if—
 
 
(a)
the person has an inevitably progressive illness, disease or medical
 
 
condition which cannot be reversed by treatment, and
 

Page 2

 
(b)
the person's death in consequence of that illness, disease or medical
 
 
condition can reasonably be expected within 6 months.
 
 
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1), treatment which only relieves the symptoms
 
 
of an inevitably progressive illness, disease or medical condition temporarily
 
 
is not to be regarded as treatment which can reverse that illness, disease or
5
 
condition.
 
 
(3)
For the avoidance of doubt, a person is not to be considered to be terminally
 
 
ill by reason only of the person having one or both of—
 
 
(a)
a mental disorder, within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983;
 
 
(b)
a disability, within the meaning of section 6 of the Equality Act 2010.
10
"Capacity"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Clause 3 provides that the test of whether a person has capacity to make a decision to end their own life is to be determined in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Sections 1 and 2 of that Act establish the principles and criteria for assessing a person's capacity to make decisions.

Section 2 of that Act provides that a person lacks capacity in relation to a particular matter if the person is unable to make a decision for themselves in relation to that matter because of an impairment of, or a disturbance in the functioning of, the mind or brain. Section 3 of that Act defines what it means to lack capacity. Section 3 provides that a person lacks capacity if they are unable to:

  • Understand the information relevant to the decision,
  • Retain that information,
  • Use and weigh that information as part of the decision-making process, or
  • Communicate their decision.
3
Capacity
 
 
In this Act, references to a person having capacity are to be read in accordance
 
 
with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
 

Initial discussions

 
"Initial discussions with registered medical practitioners"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Subsection (1) makes clear that no doctor is under a duty to raise the subject of the provision of assistance under the Bill with a patient. But that does not prevent a doctor exercising their professional judgement to discuss the matter with a patient (see subsection (2)).

Subsection (3) provides that, where a patient indicates to a doctor that they wish to seek assistance end their own life in accordance with the Bill, the doctor may (but is not required to) discuss the matter with the patient.

If the discussion takes place, subsection (4) provides that it must cover, amongst other things, the available palliative, hospice or other care.

If the doctor is unwilling or unable to conduct the discussion, subsection (5) requires them to refer the patient to another doctor who is willing and able to conduct the discussion.

4
Initial discussions with registered medical practitioners
15
 
(1)
No registered medical practitioner is under any duty to raise the subject of
 
 
the provision of assistance in accordance with this Act with a person.
 
 
(2)
But nothing in subsection (1) prevents a registered medical practitioner
 
 
exercising their professional judgement to decide if, and when, it is appropriate
 
 
to discuss the matter with a person.
20
 
(3)
Where a person indicates to a registered medical practitioner their wish to
 
 
seek assistance to end their own life in accordance with this Act, the registered
 
 
medical practitioner may (but is not required to) conduct a preliminary
 
 
discussion about the requirements that need to be met for such assistance to
 
 
be provided.
25
 
(4)
If a registered medical practitioner conducts such a preliminary discussion
 
 
with a person, the practitioner must explain to and discuss with that person—
 
 
(a)
the person’s diagnosis and prognosis;
 
 
(b)
any treatment available and the likely effect of it;
 
 
(c)
any available palliative, hospice or other care, including symptom
30
 
management and psychological support.
 
 
(5)
A registered medical practitioner who is unwilling or unable to conduct the
 
 
preliminary discussion mentioned under subsection (3) must, if requested by
 
 
the person to do so, refer them to another registered medical practitioner
 
 
whom the first practitioner believes is willing and able to conduct that
35
 
discussion.
 

Page 3

"Procedure, safeguards and protections"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Clauses 5 to 15 set out steps that must be taken, and safeguards and protections that operate, when a person decides to seek assistance to end their own life in accordance with the Bill. In summary, assistance can only be provided if:

  • The person has made a first declaration under clause 5;
  • Two registered medical practitioners have carried out assessments of the person to ensure, amongst other things, that the person
    • has a terminal illness,
    • has the capacity to make the decision to end their own life,
    • has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and
    • has made the decision voluntarily and has not been coerced or pressured by anyone else;
  • There is a period of at least 7 days ("the first period of reflection”) between the first and second assessments;
  • The High Court or Court of Appeal has made a declaration under clause 12;
  • The person has made a second declaration under clause 13;
  • There is a period of at least 14 days ("the second period for reflection") between the court declaration and the person making the second declaration (or if the person is expected to die within one month of the court declaration, a period of at least 48 hours).

Procedure, safeguards and protections

 
"Initial request for assistance: first declaration"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

A person who wishes to be provided with assistance to end their own life must make a declaration under this clause (a "first declaration"). The form of the declaration is set out in Schedule 1. The person must sign the declaration. Where the person is unable to sign, clause 15 enables it to be signed by a proxy.

The declaration must also be witnessed by the coordinating doctor and another independent person.

The coordinating doctor is a registered medical practitioner who meets the requirements set out in subsection (3). In particular, the Secretary of State can set out in regulations the training, qualifications and experience that are required by any coordinating doctor.

Subsection (3) and clause 36 ensure that neither the coordinating doctor nor the independent witness can be a relative of the person seeking the assistance nor can they know or believe that they are a beneficiary under that person's will or may otherwise benefit from the person's death.

5
Initial request for assistance: first declaration
 
 
(1)
A person who wishes to be provided with assistance to end their own life in
 
 
accordance with this Act must make a declaration to that effect (a “first
 
 
declaration”).
5
 
(2)
A first declaration must be—
 
 
(a)
in the form set out in Schedule 1,
 
 
(b)
signed and dated by the person making the declaration, and
 
 
(c)
witnessed by—
 
 
(i)
the coordinating doctor in relation to that person, and
10
 
(ii)
another person,
 
 
both of whom must see the declaration being signed.
 
 
(3)
In this Act, “the coordinating doctor" means a registered medical practitioner—
 
 
(a)
who has such training, qualifications and experience as the Secretary
 
 
of State may specify by regulations,
15
 
(b)
who has indicated to the person making the declaration that they are
 
 
able and willing to carry out the functions under this Act of the
 
 
coordinating doctor in relation to the person,
 
 
(c)
who is not a relative of the person making the declaration, and
 
 
(d)
who does not know or believe that they—
20
 
(i)
are a beneficiary under a will of the person, or
 
 
(ii)
may otherwise benefit financially or in any other material way
 
 
from the death of the person.
 
 
(4)
Before making regulations under subsection (3)(a), the Secretary of State must
 
 
consult such persons as they consider appropriate.
25
 
(5)
A person may not witness a first declaration under subsection (2)(c)(ii) if they
 
 
are disqualified under section 36 from being a witness.
 
 
(6)
Regulations under subsection (3)(a) are subject to the negative procedure.
 
"Requirement for proof of identity"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause requires a person making a first declaration under clause 5 to provide both the coordinating doctor and the independent witness with two forms of proof of identity. The Secretary of State can set out in regulations what forms of proof of identity can be used.

6
Requirement for proof of identity
 
 
(1)
This section applies where a person makes a first declaration.
30
 
(2)
The person must, at the same time as that declaration is made, provide two
 
 
forms of proof of identity to the coordinating doctor and the witness
 
 
mentioned in section 5(2)(c)(ii).
 
 
(3)
The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision about the forms
 
 
of proof of identity that are acceptable for the purposes of subsection (2).
35
 
(4)
Regulations under subsection (3) are subject to the negative procedure.
 

Page 4

"First doctor’s assessment (coordinating doctor)"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Where a first declaration is made by a person, the coordinating doctor who witnessed the first declaration must carry out an assessment of the person. The purpose of the assessment is to establish whether the person:

  • Is terminally ill;
  • Has capacity to make the decision to end their own life;
  • Is aged 18 or over;
  • Is ordinarily resident;
  • Is registered with a GP practice;
  • Has a clear, settled and informed with to end their own life; and
  • Made the first declaration under clause 5 voluntarily and has not been coerced or pressured by another person into making it.

If the coordinating doctor is satisfied that all those requirements are met, they must make a statement in the form set out in Schedule 2. They must also refer the person for a second assessment by another registered medical practitioner (referred to in the Bill as "the independent doctor").

Clause 9 makes further provision about first assessments.

7
First doctor’s assessment (coordinating doctor)
 
 
(1)
The coordinating doctor must, as soon as reasonably practicable after a first
 
 
declaration is made by a person, carry out the first assessment.
 
 
(2)
“The first assessment” is an assessment to ascertain whether, in the opinion
 
 
of the coordinating doctor, the person—
5
 
(a)
is terminally ill,
 
 
(b)
has capacity to make the decision to end their own life,
 
 
(c)
was aged 18 or over at the time the first declaration was made,
 
 
(d)
is ordinarily resident in England and Wales and has been so resident
 
 
for at least 12 months ending with the date of the first declaration,
10
 
(e)
is registered as a patient with a general medical practice in England
 
 
or Wales,
 
 
(f)
has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and
 
 
(g)
made the first declaration voluntarily and has not been coerced or
 
 
pressured by any other person into making it.
15
 
(3)
If, having carried out the first assessment, the coordinating doctor is satisfied
 
 
that the requirements of subsection (2)(a) to (g) are satisfied, the coordinating
 
 
doctor must—
 
 
(a)
make a statement to that effect in the form set out in Schedule 2, and
 
 
sign and date it,
20
 
(b)
provide the person who was assessed with a copy of the statement,
 
 
and
 
 
(c)
refer that person, as soon as practicable, to another registered medical
 
 
practitioner who meets the requirements of section 8(6) and is able
 
 
and willing to carry out the second assessment (“the independent
25
 
doctor”).
 
"Second doctor’s assessment (independent doctor)"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause applies where the coordinating doctor refers the person under clause 7(3)(c) for a second assessment by the independent doctor. The purpose of the second assessment of the person carried out by the independent doctor is to establish whether the person:

  • Is terminally ill;
  • Has capacity to make the decision to end their own life;
  • Is aged 18 or over;
  • Has a clear, settled and informed with to end their own life; and
  • Made the first declaration under clause 5 voluntarily and has not been coerced or pressured by another person into making it.

The second assessment must take place after "the first period for reflection". This period begins with the day the coordinating doctor makes their statement under clause 7 and lasts for 7 days.

The independent doctor must carry out the second assessment independently of the coordinating doctor.

If the independent doctor is satisfied that all the requirements are met, they must make a statement in the form set out in Schedule 3.

A registered medical practitioner can only act as the independent doctor if they meet the requirements set out in subsection (6). In particular, the Secretary of State may set out in regulations the training, qualifications and experience which the practitioner must have. To ensure independence, the practitioner must not have provided the person with treatment or care in relation to their terminal illness and must not be in the same medical practice or clinical team as the coordinating doctor. The independent doctor must also not know or believe that they are a beneficiary under the person's will or may otherwise benefit from that person's death.

Clause 9 makes further provision about second assessments.

8
Second doctor’s assessment (independent doctor)
 
 
(1)
Where a referral is made under section 7(3)(c), the independent doctor must
 
 
carry out the second assessment of the person as soon as reasonably practicable
 
 
after the first period for reflection has ended.
30
 
(2)
“The second assessment” is an assessment to ascertain whether, in the opinion
 
 
of the independent doctor, the person who made the first declaration—
 
 
(a)
is terminally ill,
 
 
(b)
has capacity to make the decision to end their own life,
 
 
(c)
was aged 18 years or over at the time the first declaration was made,
35
 
(d)
has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and
 
 
(e)
made the first declaration voluntarily and has not been coerced or
 
 
pressured by any other person into making it.
 
 
(3)
In subsection (1) “the first period for reflection” means the period of 7 days
 
 
beginning with the day the coordinating doctor made the statement under
40
 
section 7(3).
 

Page 5

 
(4)
The independent doctor must carry out the second assessment independently
 
 
of the coordinating doctor (subject to section 9(4) (sharing of specialists’
 
 
opinions)).
 
 
(5)
If, having carried out the second assessment, the independent doctor is
 
 
satisfied as to the matters mentioned in subsection (2)(a) to (e), the independent
5
 
doctor—
 
 
(a)
must make a statement to that effect in the form set out in Schedule
 
 
3 and sign and date it, and
 
 
(b)
provide each of the coordinating doctor and the person who was
 
 
assessed with a copy of the statement.
10
 
(6)
A registered medical practitioner may carry out the functions of the
 
 
independent doctor under this Act only if that practitioner—
 
 
(a)
has such training, qualifications and experience as the Secretary of
 
 
State may by regulations specify,
 
 
(b)
has not provided treatment or care for the person being assessed in
15
 
relation to that person’s terminal illness,
 
 
(c)
is not a relative of the person being assessed,
 
 
(d)
is not a partner or colleague in the same practice or clinical team as
 
 
the coordinating doctor,
 
 
(e)
did not witness the first declaration made by the person being assessed,
20
 
and
 
 
(f)
does not know or believe that they—
 
 
(i)
are a beneficiary under a will of the person, or
 
 
(ii)
may otherwise benefit financially or in any other material way
 
 
from the death of the person.
25
 
(7)
In subsection (6)(b) the reference to “terminal illness” means the illness, disease
 
 
or medical condition mentioned in section 2(1)(a).
 
 
(8)
Before making regulations under subsection (6)(a), the Secretary of State must
 
 
consult such persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
 
 
(9)
Regulations under subsection (6)(a) are subject to the negative procedure.
30
"Doctors’ assessments: further provision"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause makes provision about the assessment by the coordinating doctor under clause 7 and the assessment by the independent doctor under clause 8.

In particular, subsection (2) sets out things the doctor carrying out the assessment must do. These include a requirement to explain to and discuss with the person the possible treatments, the palliative, hospice and other care available and the nature of the substance that might be provided to assist the person to end their own life (including how it will bring about death). The doctor must also explain the further steps that would need to be taken if the person wished to be provided with assistance to end their own life and that those steps may be cancelled by the person at any time. The doctor is also to advise the person to inform their GP and, so far as the doctor considers it appropriate, advise the person to discuss the request with their next of kin and other people they are close to.

If the doctor carrying out the assessment has a doubt as to whether the person being assessed is terminally ill, the doctor must obtain an opinion from a specialist in the illness, disease or condition in question. If the doctor carrying out the assessment has doubt as to the capacity of the person being assessed, they may refer the person for assessment by a psychiatrist or other suitably qualified person but are not required to do so. This is because there may be circumstances in which the doctor making the assessment does not require a specialist opinion to determine that the person does not have the necessary capacity.

9
Doctors’ assessments: further provision
 
 
(1)
In this section “assessing doctor” means—
 
 
(a)
the coordinating doctor carrying out the first assessment;
 
 
(b)
the independent doctor carrying out the second assessment.
 
 
(2)
The assessing doctor must—
35
 
(a)
examine the person and their medical records and make such other
 
 
enquiries as the assessing doctor considers appropriate;
 
 
(b)
explain to and discuss with the person being assessed—
 
 
(i)
the person’s diagnosis and prognosis;
 
 
(ii)
any treatment available and the likely effect of it;
40
 
(iii)
any available palliative, hospice or other care, including
 
 
symptom management and psychological support;
 

Page 6

 
(iv)
the nature of the substance that might be provided to assist
 
 
the person to end their own life (including how it will bring
 
 
about death);
 
 
(c)
discuss with the person their wishes in the event of complications
 
 
arising in connection with the self-administration of an approved
5
 
substance under section 18;
 
 
(d)
inform the person—
 
 
(i)
of the further steps that must be taken before assistance can
 
 
be provided to the person to end their own life in accordance
 
 
with this Act;
10
 
(ii)
that the person may decide at any time not to take any of those
 
 
steps (and of how to cancel the first declaration and any of
 
 
those further steps);
 
 
(e)
advise the person to inform a registered medical practitioner from the
 
 
person’s GP practice that the person is requesting assistance to end
15
 
their own life (unless the assessing doctor is themselves a practitioner
 
 
from that practice);
 
 
(f)
in so far as the assessing doctor considers it appropriate, advise the
 
 
person to consider discussing the request with their next of kin and
 
 
other persons they are close to.
20
 
(3)
To inform their assessment, the assessing doctor—
 
 
(a)
must, if they have doubt as to whether the person being assessed is
 
 
terminally ill, refer the person for assessment by a registered medical
 
 
practitioner who holds qualifications in or has experience of the
 
 
diagnosis and management of the illness, disease or condition in
25
 
question;
 
 
(b)
may, if they have doubt as to the capacity of the person being assessed,
 
 
refer the person for assessment by a registered medical practitioner
 
 
who is registered in the specialism of psychiatry in the Specialist
 
 
Register kept by the General Medical Council or who otherwise holds
30
 
qualifications in or has experience of the assessment of capability;
 
 
(c)
must, if they make a referral under paragraph (a) or (b), take account
 
 
of any opinion provided by that other registered medical practitioner.
 
 
(4)
An opinion provided to one assessing doctor under subsection (3)(a) or (b)
 
 
must be shared with the other assessing doctor.
35
 
(5)
Where the independent doctor is required to obtain an opinion under
 
 
subsection (3)(a)—
 
 
(a)
that duty may be discharged by an opinion obtained under that
 
 
provision by the coordinating doctor, or
 
 
(b)
the independent doctor may make their own referral under that
40
 
provision.
 
"Another independent doctor: second opinion"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

If the independent doctor carries out the second assessment of the person and is not satisfied of the matters set out in clause 8(2), this clause enables the person to request a second opinion from another independent doctor. The provisions of clauses 8 and 9 also apply to this assessment.

Subsection (3) provides that only one referral for a second opinion can be made under this clause.

10
Another independent doctor: second opinion
 
 
(1)
If, following the second assessment, the independent doctor refuses to make
 
 
the statement mentioned in section 8(5), the coordinating doctor may, if
 
 
requested to do so by the person who made the first declaration, refer that
45

Page 7

 
person to a different registered medical practitioner who meets the
 
 
requirements of section 8(6) and is able and willing to carry out a further
 
 
assessment of the kind mentioned in section 8(2).
 
 
(2)
Where a referral is made to a registered medical practitioner under subsection
 
 
(1), that referral is treated as a referral under section 7(3)(c), the practitioner
5
 
becomes the independent doctor (replacing the registered medical practitioner
 
 
to whom a referral was originally made) and sections 8 and 9 apply
 
 
accordingly.
 
 
(3)
In consequence of a particular first declaration made by a person, the
 
 
coordinating doctor may make only one referral for a second opinion under
10
 
subsection (1).
 
"Replacing the coordinating doctor on death etc"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

The coordinating doctor who witnesses the first declaration under clause 5 has a variety of functions under the Bill. This clause enables the Secretary of State to make regulations providing for cases where the original coordinating doctor becomes unable or unwilling to continue to carry out these functions part way through the process. This will ensure continuity of care for the person who made the first declaration.

Equivalent provision is not needed for the independent doctor, as their functions are confined to the second assessment under clause 8. If they become unable or unwilling to continue to act before the second assessment is completed, a new referral could be made to an independent doctor for a second assessment.

11
Replacing the coordinating doctor on death etc
 
 
(1)
The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision about cases where,
 
 
after a first declaration has been witnessed by the coordinating doctor, that
 
 
doctor dies or through illness or otherwise is unable or unwilling to continue
15
 
to carry out the functions of the coordinating doctor.
 
 
(2)
Regulations under subsection (1) may, in particular, make provision—
 
 
(a)
relating to the appointment, with the agreement of the person who
 
 
made the declaration, of a replacement coordinating doctor who meets
 
 
the requirements of section 5(3) and is able and willing to carry out
20
 
the functions of the coordinating doctor;
 
 
(b)
to ensure continuity of care for that person despite the change in the
 
 
coordinating doctor.
 
 
(3)
Regulations under subsection (1) are subject to the negative procedure.
 
"Court approval"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause applies where a person has made a first declaration (and it has not been cancelled), the coordinating doctor has made the statement in Schedule 2 and the independent doctor has made the statement in Schedule 3.

The person may apply to the High Court for a declaration that the requirements of the Bill have been met in relation to the first declaration.

The High Court must make the declaration if, and only if, it is satisfied that-

  • (a) the requirements of sections 5 to 9 have been met;
  • (b) the person is terminally ill;
  • (c) the person has capacity to make the decision to end their own life;
  • (d) the person is aged 18 or over;
  • (e) the person is ordinarily resident;
  • (f) the person is registered with a GP practice in England or Wales;
  • (g) the person has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life; and
  • (h) the person made the first declaration voluntarily and has not been coerced or pressured by any other person into making it.

The court may hear from and question the person, and must hear from the coordinating doctor or the independent doctor (or both). For the purposes of determining if it is satisfied that the person has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life and that they have made the first declaration and court application voluntarily and have not been coerced or pressured, the court may also hear from and question any other person or ask a person to report to the court on any relevant matter.

If the High Court refuses to make the declaration, the person can appeal to the Court of the Appeal. The Court of Appeal can confirm the decision of the High Court or make the declaration. There is no appeal against a decision of the High Court to make the declaration.

12
Court approval
25
 
(1)
Where—
 
 
(a)
a person has made a first declaration under section 5 which has not
 
 
been cancelled,
 
 
(b)
the coordinating doctor has made the statement mentioned in section
 
 
7(3), and
30
 
(c)
the independent doctor has made the statement mentioned in section
 
 
8(5),
 
 
that person may apply to the High Court for a declaration that the
 
 
requirements of this Act have been met in relation to the first declaration.
 
 
(2)
On an application under this section, the High Court—
35
 
(a)
must make the declaration if it is satisfied of all the matters listed in
 
 
subsection (3), and
 
 
(b)
in any other case, must refuse to make the declaration.
 
 
(3)
The matters referred to in subsection (2)(a) are that—
 
 
(a)
the requirements of sections 5 to 9 have been met in relation to the
40
 
person who made the application,
 

Page 8

 
(b)
the person is terminally ill,
 
 
(c)
the person has capacity to make the decision to end their own life,
 
 
(d)
the person was aged 18 or over at the time the first declaration was
 
 
made,
 
 
(e)
the person is ordinarily resident in England and Wales and has been
5
 
so resident for at least 12 months ending with the date of the first
 
 
declaration,
 
 
(f)
the person is registered as a patient with a general medical practice
 
 
in England or Wales,
 
 
(g)
the person has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own
10
 
life, and
 
 
(h)
the person made the first declaration and the application under this
 
 
section voluntarily and has not been coerced or pressured by any other
 
 
person into making that declaration or application.
 
 
(4)
Subject to the following provisions of this section and to any provision made
15
 
by Rules of Court, the High Court may follow such procedure as it deems
 
 
appropriate for each application under this section.
 
 
(5)
The High Court—
 
 
(a)
may hear from and question, in person, the person who made the
 
 
application for the declaration;
20
 
(b)
must hear from and may question, in person, the coordinating doctor
 
 
or the independent doctor (or both);
 
 
(c)
for the purposes of paragraph (b), may require the coordinating doctor
 
 
or the independent doctor (or both) to appear before the court.
 
 
(6)
For the purposes of determining whether it is satisfied of the matters
25
 
mentioned in subsection (3)(g) and (h), the High Court may also—
 
 
(a)
hear from and question any other person;
 
 
(b)
ask a person to report to the court on such matters relating to the
 
 
person who has applied for the declaration as it considers appropriate.
 
 
(7)
In subsection (5)—
30
 
(a)
in paragraph (a), the reference to the person who made the application
 
 
includes, in a case where the person’s first declaration was signed by
 
 
a proxy under section 15, that proxy, and
 
 
(b)
“in person” includes by means of a live video link or a live audio link.
 
 
(8)
Where, on an application made by a person under this section, the High Court
35
 
refuses to make the declaration, that person may appeal to the Court of Appeal
 
 
against that decision.
 
 
(9)
The Court of Appeal must—
 
 
(a)
if it is satisfied of the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (h) of
 
 
subsection (3), make a declaration that the requirements of this Act
40
 
have been met in relation to the first declaration, and
 
 
(b)
in any other case, confirm the High Court’s decision.
 
 
(10)
Subsections (4) to (7) apply in relation to the Court of Appeal as they apply
 
 
in relation to the High Court.
 

Page 9

 
(11)
No appeal lies from a decision of the High Court to make a declaration under
 
 
this section.
 
"Confirmation of request for assistance: second declaration"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Where a person who wishes to be provided with assistance to end their own life has obtained a court declaration under clause 12, they may then make a further declaration under this clause ("the second declaration"). But the second declaration cannot be made until “the second period for reflection" has ended. The second period for reflection begins on the day the court declaration is made and last for 14 days. But, if the coordinating doctor is of the opinion that the person is likely to die within one month of the court declaration, the period for reflection is reduced to 48 hours.

The second declaration must be in the form set out in Schedule 4. It must be witnessed by the coordinating doctor and by an independent witness. The coordinating doctor may only witness the second declaration if they are still satisfied that the person making the declaration-

  • is terminally ill,
  • has the capacity to make the decision to end their own life,
  • has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and
  • is making the declaration voluntarily and has not been coerced or pressured by any other person into making it.

The coordinating doctor must sign a statement in the form set out in Schedule 5 confirming all those things and that must be witnessed by the same independent witness as witnessed the second declaration. Neither the coordinating doctor (see clause 5(3)) nor the independent witness (see clause 34) may be a relative of the person signing the second declaration, and neither must know or believe they are a beneficiary under their will or may otherwise benefit from that person's death.

13
Confirmation of request for assistance: second declaration
 
 
(1)
Where—
 
 
(a)
the High Court or Court of Appeal has made a declaration in respect
5
 
of a person under section 12, and
 
 
(b)
the second period for reflection has come to an end,
 
 
if the person wishes to be provided with assistance to end their own life in
 
 
accordance with this Act, the person must make a further declaration to that
 
 
effect (the “second declaration”).
10
 
(2)
In subsection (1) “the second period for reflection” means—
 
 
(a)
the period of 14 days beginning with the day on which the declaration
 
 
was made by the High Court or, as the case may be, Court of Appeal,
 
 
or
 
 
(b)
where the coordinating doctor reasonably believes that the person’s
15
 
death is likely to occur before the end of the period of one month
 
 
beginning with the day that declaration was made, the period of 48
 
 
hours beginning with that day.
 
 
(3)
A second declaration must be—
 
 
(a)
in the form set out in Schedule 4,
20
 
(b)
signed and dated by the person making the declaration,
 
 
(c)
witnessed by—
 
 
(i)
the coordinating doctor, and
 
 
(ii)
a person other than the coordinating doctor or the independent
 
 
doctor,
25
 
both of whom must see the declaration being signed.
 
 
(4)
The coordinating doctor may witness a second declaration only if, at the time
 
 
the second declaration is made, the coordinating doctor is still satisfied that
 
 
the person making the declaration—
 
 
(a)
is terminally ill,
30
 
(b)
has the capacity to make the decision to end their own life,
 
 
(c)
has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and
 
 
(d)
is making the declaration voluntarily and has not been coerced or
 
 
pressured by any other person into making it.
 
 
(5)
If the coordinating doctor is so satisfied, they must make a statement to that
35
 
effect.
 
 
(6)
The statement under subsection (5) must be—
 
 
(a)
in the form set out in Schedule 5,
 
 
(b)
signed and dated by the coordinating doctor, and
 
 
(c)
witnessed by the same person who witnessed the second declaration
40
 
under subsection (3)(c)(ii).
 

Page 10

 
(7)
A person may not witness a declaration under subsection (3)(c)(ii) if they are
 
 
disqualified under section 36 from being a witness.
 
"Cancellation of declarations"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause enables a person who has made a first or second declaration to cancel the declaration by giving notice to the coordinating doctor or to a doctor at their GP's practice. Notice may be given orally or in writing, or the cancellation indicated by a means of communication known to be used by the person concerned. A cancellation takes effect as soon as the notice or indication is given, and no further steps are then taken in reliance on the declaration.

14
Cancellation of declarations
 
 
(1)
A person who has made a first declaration or a second declaration may cancel
 
 
it by giving oral or written notice of the cancellation (or otherwise indicating
5
 
their decision to cancel in a manner of communication known to be used by
 
 
the person) to—
 
 
(a)
the coordinating doctor, or
 
 
(b)
any registered medical practitioner from the person’s GP practice.
 
 
(2)
Where notice or an indication is given to a registered medical practitioner
10
 
under subsection (1)(b), the practitioner must, as soon as practicable, notify
 
 
the coordinating doctor of the cancellation.
 
 
(3)
A cancellation under subsection (1) has effect from the time the notice or
 
 
indication is given.
 
 
(4)
From the time a first declaration is cancelled, any duty or power of the
15
 
coordinating doctor or the independent doctor under sections 7 to 9
 
 
(assessments, statements and referrals) that arose in consequence of that
 
 
declaration ceases to have effect.
 
"Signing by proxy"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause makes provision for cases where the person intending to make a first declaration or a second declaration is unable to sign their own name. They can authorise another person to sign the declaration on their behalf. That other person may be someone they have known personally for at least 2 years or someone they consider to be of good standing in the community.

Clause 36 provides that a proxy:

  • must be aged 18 or over,
  • must not be a relative of the person making the declaration, and
  • must not know or believe that they are a beneficiary under that person's will or may otherwise benefit from the death of the person.
15
Signing by proxy
 
 
(1)
This section applies where a person intending to make a first declaration or
20
 
a second declaration—
 
 
(a)
declares to a proxy that they are unable to sign their own name (by
 
 
reason of physical impairment, being unable to read or for any other
 
 
reason), and
 
 
(b)
authorises the proxy to sign the declaration on their behalf.
25
 
(2)
A declaration signed by a proxy—
 
 
(a)
in the presence of the person, and
 
 
(b)
in accordance with subsection (3),
 
 
has the same effect as if signed by the person themselves.
 
 
(3)
Where a proxy signs a declaration, the proxy is to add, after their signature—
30
 
(a)
their full name and address,
 
 
(b)
the capacity in which they qualify as a proxy, and
 
 
(c)
a statement that they have signed in that capacity as a proxy.
 
 
(4)
A proxy may not sign a declaration—
 
 
(a)
unless satisfied that the person understands the nature and effect of
35
 
the making of the declaration,
 
 
(b)
if disqualified under section 36 from being a proxy, or
 
 
(c)
if it is a second declaration and the proxy signed the first declaration
 
 
as a witness.
 
 
(5)
In this section “proxy” means—
40

Page 11

 
(a)
a person who has known the person making the declaration personally
 
 
for at least 2 years, or
 
 
(b)
a person who is of good standing in the community.
 

Information in medical records

 
"Recording of declarations and statements etc"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause provides for the making of declarations and statements made under the Bill to be recorded in the person's medical records. The original statement or declaration is to be included as part of that record.

16
Recording of declarations and statements etc
5
 
(1)
This section applies where—
 
 
(a)
a first declaration is made by a person;
 
 
(b)
a statement is made under section 7(3), or the coordinating doctor
 
 
refuses to make such a statement, in relation to a person;
 
 
(c)
a statement is made under section 8(5), or the independent doctor
10
 
refuses to make such a statement, in relation to a person;
 
 
(d)
the High Court or Court of Appeal has made a declaration under
 
 
section 12 in relation to a person or has refused to make such a
 
 
declaration;
 
 
(e)
a second declaration is made by a person;
15
 
(f)
a statement is made under section 13(5), or the coordinating doctor
 
 
refuses to make such a statement, in relation to a person.
 
 
(2)
Where the coordinating doctor is a practitioner with the person’s GP practice,
 
 
the coordinating doctor must, as soon as practicable, record the making of
 
 
the declaration or statement, or, as the case may be, the refusal to make the
20
 
declaration or statement, in the person’s medical records.
 
 
(3)
In any other case—
 
 
(a)
the coordinating doctor must, as soon as practicable, give a registered
 
 
medical practitioner with that practice notice of the making of the
 
 
declaration or statement or, as the case may be, the refusal to make
25
 
the declaration or statement, and
 
 
(b)
that practitioner must, as soon as practicable, record the making of
 
 
the declaration or statement or the refusal to make the declaration or
 
 
statement in the person’s medical records.
 
 
(4)
A record made under subsection (2) or (3) of a statement or declaration within
30
 
subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (e) or (f) must include the original statement or
 
 
declaration.
 
"Recording of cancellations"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause provides for a cancellation of a first or second declaration to be recorded in the person's medical records.

17
Recording of cancellations
 
 
(1)
This section applies where a person cancels a first declaration or a second
 
 
declaration under section 14.
35
 
(2)
If the notice or indication under that section is given to a registered medical
 
 
practitioner at the person’s GP practice, that practitioner must, as soon as
 
 
practicable, record the cancellation in the person’s medical records.
 
 
(3)
In any other case—
 

Page 12

 
(a)
the registered medical practitioner to whom notice or indication of
 
 
the cancellation is given must, as soon as practicable, notify a registered
 
 
medical practitioner with that practice of the cancellation, and
 
 
(b)
the practitioner notified under paragraph (a) must, as soon as
 
 
practicable, record the cancellation in the person’s medical records.
5

Provision of assistance to end life

 
"Provision of assistance"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause applies where the High Court or Court of Appeal has made a declaration under clause 12, the second period for reflection (see clause 13) has ended and the person has made a second declaration (which has not been cancelled). It governs the provision of assistance in the form of an approved substance (see clause 21) with which the person may end their own life.

Subsection (3) provides that the approved substance must be provided directly, and in person, by the coordinating doctor.

Subsection (4) provides that at the time the approved substance is provided the coordinating doctor must be satisfied that the person:

  • has capacity to make the decision to end their own life,
  • has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and
  • is requesting provision of that assistance voluntarily and has not been coerced or pressured by any other person into doing so.

Subsection (6) provides the coordinating doctor may:

  • prepare that substance for self-administration by that person,
  • prepare a medical device which will enable that person to self-administer the substance, and
  • assist that person to ingest or otherwise self-administer the substance.

But subsections (7) and (8) make clear that the decision to self-administer the approved substance and the final act of doing so must be taken by the person themselves not by the coordinating doctor. Subsection (6) does not authorise the coordinating doctor to administer an approved substance to another person with the intention of causing that person's death.

Subsections (9) and (10) provide that the coordinating doctor must remain with the person after the approved substance has been provided, although they need not be in the same room.

Subsection (11) ensures that if the person decides not to take the approved substance it is removed by the coordinating doctor.

18
Provision of assistance
 
 
(1)
This section applies where—
 
 
(a)
the High Court or Court of Appeal has made a declaration in respect
 
 
of a person under section 12,
10
 
(b)
the second period for reflection (within the meaning of section 13(2))
 
 
has ended,
 
 
(c)
that person has made a second declaration which has not been
 
 
cancelled, and
 
 
(d)
the coordinating doctor has made the statement under section 13(5).
15
 
(2)
The coordinating doctor may, in accordance with this section, provide that
 
 
person with an approved substance (see section 20) with which the person
 
 
may end their own life.
 
 
(3)
The approved substance must be provided directly and in person by the
 
 
coordinating doctor to that person.
20
 
(4)
The coordinating doctor must be satisfied, at the time the approved substance
 
 
is provided, that the person to whom it is provided—
 
 
(a)
has capacity to make the decision to end their own life,
 
 
(b)
has a clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life, and
 
 
(c)
is requesting provision of that assistance voluntarily and has not been
25
 
coerced or pressured by any other person into doing so.
 
 
(5)
The coordinating doctor may be accompanied by such other health
 
 
professionals as the coordinating doctor thinks necessary.
 
 
(6)
In respect of an approved substance which is provided to the person under
 
 
subsection (2), the coordinating doctor may—
30
 
(a)
prepare that substance for self-administration by that person,
 
 
(b)
prepare a medical device which will enable that person to
 
 
self-administer the substance, and
 
 
(c)
assist that person to ingest or otherwise self-administer the substance.
 
 
(7)
But the decision to self-administer the approved substance and the final act
35
 
of doing so must be taken by the person to whom the substance has been
 
 
provided.
 
 
(8)
Subsection (6) does not authorise the coordinating doctor to administer an
 
 
approved substance to another person with the intention of causing that
 
 
person’s death.
40

Page 13

 
(9)
The coordinating doctor must remain with the person until—
 
 
(a)
the person has self-administered the approved substance and—
 
 
(i)
the person has died, or
 
 
(ii)
it is determined by the coordinating doctor that the procedure
 
 
has failed, or
5
 
(b)
the person has decided not to self-administer the approved substance.
 
 
(10)
For the purposes of subsection (9), the coordinating doctor need not be in the
 
 
same room as the person to whom the assistance is provided.
 
 
(11)
Where the person decides not to self-administer the approved substance, or
 
 
there is any other reason that the substance is not used, the coordinating
10
 
doctor must remove it immediately from that person.
 
"Authorising another doctor to provide assistance"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Subsection (1) provides that the coordinating doctor may authorise another named registered medical practitioner to exercise the coordinating doctor's functions under clause 18 in connection with the provision of assistance to a person. The authorisation must be in writing.

An authorisation can only be made with the consent, in writing, of the person who wishes to be provided with assistance. The Secretary of State can also set out in regulations the training, qualification and experience which the practitioner would require before they could be authorised under subsection.

19
Authorising another doctor to provide assistance
 
 
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), the coordinating doctor may authorise, in writing,
 
 
a named registered medical practitioner to carry out the coordinating doctor’s
 
 
functions under section 18.
15
 
(2)
A registered medical practitioner may be authorised under subsection (1)
 
 
only if—
 
 
(a)
the person to whom the assistance is being provided has consented,
 
 
in writing, to the authorisation of that practitioner, and
 
 
(b)
that practitioner has completed such training, and gained such
20
 
qualifications and experience, as the Secretary of State may specify by
 
 
regulations.
 
 
(3)
Where a registered medical practitioner is authorised under subsection (1),
 
 
section 18 applies as if references to the coordinating doctor were to that
 
 
registered medical practitioner.
25
 
(4)
Section 15 (signing by proxy) applies in relation to a consent under subsection
 
 
(2)(a) as it applies in relation to a first or second declaration, except that, for
 
 
these purposes, section 15(4) has effect as if for paragraph (c) there were
 
 
substituted—
 
 
“(c) if the proxy signed the first or second declaration as a witness.”
30
 
(5)
Before making regulations under subsection (2)(b), the Secretary of State must
 
 
consult such persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
 
 
(6)
Regulations under subsection (2)(b) are subject to the negative procedure.
 
"Meaning of “approved substance”"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Subsection (1) requires the Secretary of State to make regulations specifying drugs or other substances for the purposes of the Bill.

20
Meaning of “approved substance”
 
 
(1)
The Secretary of State must, by regulations, specify one or more drugs or
35
 
other substances for the purposes of this Act.
 
 
(2)
In this Act “approved substance” means a drug or other substance specified
 
 
in regulations under subsection (1).
 
 
(3)
Regulations under subsection (1) are subject to the negative procedure.
 

Page 14

 
(4)
See section 28 for provision about prescribing, dispensing, transporting, storing,
 
 
handling and disposing of approved substances.
 
"Final Statement"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Where a person has been provided with assistance to end their own life and the person has died as a result, this clause requires the coordinating doctor to make a statement in the form set out in Schedule 6. The making of the declaration must be recorded in the person's medical records, and the original statement included as part of that record.

21
Final Statement
 
 
(1)
This section applies where a person has been provided with assistance to end
 
 
their own life in accordance with this Act and has died as a result.
5
 
(2)
The coordinating doctor must complete a statement to that effect (a “final
 
 
statement”).
 
 
(3)
The statement mentioned in subsection (2) must be—
 
 
(a)
in the form set out in Schedule 6, and
 
 
(b)
signed and dated by the coordinating doctor.
10
 
(4)
Where the coordinating doctor is a practitioner with the person’s GP practice,
 
 
the coordinating doctor must, as soon as practicable, record the making of
 
 
the statement in the person’s medical records.
 
 
(5)
In any other case—
 
 
(a)
the coordinating doctor must, as soon as practicable, inform a
15
 
registered medical practitioner with that practice of the making of the
 
 
statement, and
 
 
(b)
the practitioner so informed must, as soon as practicable, record the
 
 
statement in the person’s medical records.
 
 
(6)
A record made under subsection (4) or (5) must include the original statement.
20
"Other matters to be recorded in medical records"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause ensures that, where a person decides not to take an approved substance provided under clause 18 or the procedure fails for any reason, appropriate records are made in the person's medical record.

22
Other matters to be recorded in medical records
 
 
(1)
This section applies where a person is provided with assistance to end their
 
 
own life in accordance with this Act and either—
 
 
(a)
the person decides not to take the substance, or
 
 
(b)
the procedure fails.
25
 
(2)
Where the coordinating doctor is a practitioner with the person’s GP practice,
 
 
the coordinating doctor must, as soon as practicable, record that this has
 
 
happened in the person’s medical records.
 
 
(3)
In any other case—
 
 
(a)
the coordinating doctor must, as soon as practicable, inform a
30
 
registered medical practitioner with that practice that this has
 
 
happened, and
 
 
(b)
the practitioner so informed must, as soon as practicable, record that
 
 
fact in the person’s medical records.
 

Page 15

Protections for health professionals

 
"No obligation to provide assistance etc"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Subsection (1) ensures that no registered medical practitioner or other health professional (defined in clause 37(1)) is required to participate in the provision of assistance under the Bill.

Subsection (2) provides that an employee cannot be discriminated against because they choose not to participate in the provision of assistance under the Bill or because they choose not to participate in the provision of that assistance.

23
No obligation to provide assistance etc
 
 
(1)
No registered medical practitioner or other health professional is under any
 
 
duty (whether arising from any contract, statute or otherwise) to participate
 
 
in the provision of assistance in accordance with this Act.
5
 
(2)
An employer must not subject an employee to any detriment for exercising
 
 
their right under subsection (1) not to participate in the provision of assistance
 
 
in accordance with this Act or for participating in the provision of assistance
 
 
to a person in accordance with this Act.
 
"Criminal liability for providing assistance"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Subsection (1) makes it clear that a person is not guilty of an offence by virtue of providing assistance in accordance with the Bill.

Accordingly, subsection (3) amends the Suicide Act 1961 to ensure that the provision of assistance to a person in accordance with this Act is not an act which constitutes an offence under section 2 of that Act (criminal liability for complicity in another person's suicide).

The offence under section 2 of the Suicide Act 1961 will continue to operate for other cases where assistance is provided. But the amendment made by subsection (3) to that Act also provides a defence to a charge under section 2 of the Suicide Act 1961 where the person proves that they:

  • reasonably believed they were acting in accordance with the Bill, and
  • took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence.
24
Criminal liability for providing assistance
10
 
(1)
A person is not guilty of an offence by virtue of providing assistance to a
 
 
person in accordance with this Act.
 
 
(2)
Subsection (1) does not limit the circumstances in which a court can otherwise
 
 
find that a person who has assisted another to end their own life (or to attempt
 
 
to do so) has not committed an offence.
15
 
(3)
In the Suicide Act 1961, after section 2A (acts capable of encouraging or
 
 
assisting suicide) insert—
 
 
“2AA
Assistance provided under Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Act
 
 
2024
 
 
(1)
In sections 2(1) and 2A(1), a reference to an act that is capable of
20
 
encouraging or assisting suicide or attempted suicide does not include
 
 
the provision of assistance to a person to end their own life in
 
 
accordance with the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Act 2024.
 
 
(2)
It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under section 2
 
 
to prove that they—
25
 
(a)
reasonably believed they were acting in accordance with the
 
 
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Act 2024, and
 
 
(b)
took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence
 
 
to avoid the commission of the offence.”
 
"Civil liability for providing assistance"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause ensures that providing assistance to a person to end their own life in accordance with the Bill does not give rise to any civil liability.

25
Civil liability for providing assistance
30
 
(1)
Providing assistance to a person to end their own life in accordance with this
 
 
Act does not give rise to any civil liability.
 
 
(2)
Subsection (1) does not limit the circumstances in which a court can otherwise
 
 
find that a person who has assisted another person to end their own life is
 
 
not subject to civil liability.
35
 
(3)
The references in subsections (1) and (2) to providing assistance to or assisting
 
 
a person to end their own life include references to providing assistance to
 
 
or, as the case may be, assisting the person in an attempt to do so.
 

Page 16

Offences

 
"Dishonesty, coercion or pressure"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause creates two new criminal offences.

Firstly, subsection (1) provides a person commits an offence if, by dishonesty, coercion or pressure, they induce another person to make a first or second declaration under the Bill, or to not cancel a first or second declaration.

Secondly, subsection (2) provides a person commits an offence if, by dishonesty, coercion or pressure, they induce another person to self-administer an approved substance provided in accordance with the Bill.

26
Dishonesty, coercion or pressure
 
 
(1)
A person who, by dishonesty, coercion or pressure, induces another person
 
 
to make a first or second declaration, or not to cancel such a declaration,
 
 
commits an offence.
5
 
(2)
A person who, by dishonesty, coercion or pressure, induces another person
 
 
to self-administer an approved substance provided in accordance with this
 
 
Act commits an offence.
 
 
(3)
A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) or (2) is liable on
 
 
conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.
10
"Falsification or destruction of documentation"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause creates three new criminal offences relating to documentation in connection with the provision of assistance under the Bill.

Subsection (1) makes it an offence to make or knowingly use a false instrument which purports to be a first or second declaration or a court declaration under clause 12, or to wilfully conceal or destroy a first or second declaration made by another person.

Subsection (2) makes it an offence to knowingly or recklessly provide, in relation to a person who has made a first declaration, a medical or other professional opinion which is false or misleading in a material particular.

Subsection (3) makes it offence to wilfully ignore or otherwise conceal knowledge of a cancellation of a first or second declaration.

27
Falsification or destruction of documentation
 
 
(1)
A person commits an offence if they—
 
 
(a)
make or knowingly use a false instrument which purports to be—
 
 
(i)
a first declaration,
 
 
(ii)
a second declaration, or
15
 
(iii)
a declaration by the High Court or the Court of Appeal under
 
 
section 12, or
 
 
(b)
wilfully conceal or destroy a first declaration or a second declaration
 
 
by another person.
 
 
(2)
A person commits an offence if, in relation to another person who has made
20
 
a first declaration under this Act, they knowingly or recklessly provide a
 
 
medical or other professional opinion in respect of that person which is false
 
 
or misleading in a material particular.
 
 
(3)
A person (“A”) commits an offence if, in relation to another person (“B”) who
 
 
has cancelled a first or second declaration made and signed by B in accordance
25
 
with this Act, A wilfully ignores or otherwise conceals knowledge of that
 
 
cancellation.
 
 
(4)
A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1)(a), (2) or (3) which was
 
 
committed with the intention of causing the death of another person is liable,
 
 
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.
30
 
(5)
Unless subsection (4) applies, a person convicted of an offence under this
 
 
section is liable—
 
 
(a)
on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
 
 
the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine, or both;
 
 
(b)
on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
35
 
5 years or a fine, or both.
 

Page 17

Regulatory regime for approved substances

 
"Prescribing, dispensing, transporting etc of approved substances"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

The clause enable the Secretary of State to make regulations regulating the prescribing, dispensing, transportation, handling and disposal of approved substances.

28
Prescribing, dispensing, transporting etc of approved substances
 
 
(1)
The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision—
 
 
(a)
about the prescribing and dispensing of approved substances;
 
 
(b)
about the transportation, storage, handling and disposal of approved
5
 
substances;
 
 
(c)
about the records to be kept in relation to the prescribing, dispensing,
 
 
transportation, storage, handling and disposal of approved substances.
 
 
(2)
Regulations under subsection (1) may make provision about enforcement,
 
 
including provision imposing civil penalties.
10
 
(3)
Regulations under subsection (1) are subject to the negative procedure.
 

Investigation and registration of deaths

 
"Inquests, death certification etc"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Subsection (1) provides that the duty to investigate a death under section 1(2)(a) or (b) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 does not arise just because the person died as a consequence of the provision of assistance in accordance with the Bill. Section 1(2)(a) of that Act covers where the deceased died a violent or unnatural death, and section 1(2)(b) covers where the cause of death is unknown.

Subsection (2) amends the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 to enable the Secretary of State to make regulations to modify the operation of that Act in relation to deaths which arise from the provision of assistance in accordance with the Bill. For example, the regulations may modify the information that needs to be provided in relation to these deaths, or the form and manner in which the cause of such deaths is to be certified. The regulations must provide for the cause of death to be recorded as "assisted death" along with a record of the person's terminal illness by reason of which they were entitled to be provided with assistance to end their own life..

Subsection (3) requires the Registrar General to report annually to Parliament with a statistical analysis of deaths which have arisen from the provision of assistance in accordance with this Act.

29
Inquests, death certification etc
 
 
(1)
A person is not to be regarded as having died in circumstances to which
 
 
section 1(2)(a) or (b) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (duty to investigate
15
 
certain deaths) applies only because the person died as a consequence of the
 
 
provision of assistance to that person in accordance with this Act.
 
 
(2)
In the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953, after section 39A, insert—
 
“39B
Regulations: assisted dying
 
 
(1)
The Secretary of State may by regulations—
20
 
(a)
provide for any provision made by or under this Act relating
 
 
to the registration of deaths to apply in respect of deaths which
 
 
arise from the provision of assistance in accordance with the
 
 
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Act 2024 with such
 
 
modifications as may be prescribed in respect of—
25
 
(i)
the information which is to be provided concerning
 
 
such deaths,
 
 
(ii)
the form and manner in which the cause of such deaths
 
 
is to be certified, and
 
 
(iii)
the form and manner in which such deaths are to be
30
 
registered, and
 
 
(b)
make such incidental, supplemental and transitional provisions
 
 
as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
 
 
(2)
Any regulations made under subsection (1)(a)(ii) must provide for the
 
 
cause of death to be recorded as “assisted death” along with a record
35
 
of the person’s terminal illness by reason of which they were entitled
 
 
to be provided with assistance to end their own life in accordance
 
 
with the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Act 2024.
 
 
(3)
In subsection (2) “terminal illness” means the illness, disease or medical
 
 
condition mentioned in section 2(1)(a) of that Act.
40

Page 18

 
(4)
The power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under
 
 
subsection (1) is exercisable by statutory instrument.
 
 
(5)
Regulations may not be made under subsection (1) unless a draft of
 
 
the statutory instrument containing them has been laid before and
 
 
approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”
5
 
(3)
The Registrar General for England and Wales must, at least once each year,
 
 
prepare and lay before Parliament a report providing a statistical analysis of
 
 
deaths which have arisen from the provision of assistance to persons in
 
 
accordance with this Act.
 

Codes and guidance

10
"Codes of practice"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause authorises the Secretary of State to issue codes of practice in relation to various matters relating to the operation of the Act, such as assessment of whether a person has a clear and settled intention to end their own life and the assistance which a person may be given to ingest or self-administer an approved substance.

A code of practice cannot come into force until it has been laid before Parliament and the regulations bringing it into force have been approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

30
Codes of practice
 
 
(1)
The Secretary of State may issue one or more codes of practice in connection
 
 
with—
 
 
(a)
the assessment of whether a person has a clear and settled intention
 
 
to end their own life, including—
15
 
(i)
assessing whether the person has capacity to make such a
 
 
decision;
 
 
(ii)
recognising and taking account of the effects of depression or
 
 
other mental disorders (within the meaning of the Mental
 
 
Health Act 1983) that may impair a person’s decision-making;
20
 
(b)
the information which is made available as mentioned in sections 4
 
 
and 9 on treatment or palliative, hospice or other care available to the
 
 
person and under section 9 on the consequences of deciding to end
 
 
their own life;
 
 
(c)
the arrangements for ensuring effective communication in connection
25
 
with the provision of assistance to persons in accordance with this
 
 
Act, including the use of interpreters;
 
 
(d)
the arrangements for providing approved substances to the person
 
 
for whom they have been prescribed, and the assistance which such
 
 
a person may be given to ingest or self-administer them;
30
 
(e)
such other matters relating to the operation of this Act as the Secretary
 
 
of State considers appropriate.
 
 
(2)
Before issuing a code under this section the Secretary of State must consult
 
 
such persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
 
 
(3)
A code issued under subsection (1) does not come into force until the Secretary
35
 
of State by regulations so provides.
 
 
(4)
Regulations bringing a code into force are subject to the affirmative procedure.
 
 
(5)
When draft regulations are laid before Parliament in accordance with that
 
 
procedure, the code to which they relate must also be laid before Parliament.
 
 
(6)
A person performing any function under this Act must have regard to any
40
 
relevant provision of a code.
 

Page 19

 
(7)
A failure to do so does not of itself render a person liable to any criminal or
 
 
civil proceedings but may be taken into account in any proceedings.
 
"Guidance from Chief Medical Officers"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

The Chief Medical Officer for England and the Chief Medical Officer for Wales are required to provide guidance relating to the operation of the Bill. In particular, they must have regard to the need to provide practical and accessible information about the operation of the Bill, advice and guidance to persons considering requesting assistance under the Bill, their families, and the general public.

31
Guidance from Chief Medical Officers
 
 
(1)
The relevant Chief Medical Officer must prepare and publish guidance relating
 
 
to the operation of this Act.
5
 
(2)
Before preparing guidance under this section, the relevant Chief Medical
 
 
Officer must consult such persons as that Chief Medical Officer considers
 
 
appropriate.
 
 
(3)
When preparing that guidance, the relevant Chief Medical Officer must have
 
 
regard to the need to provide practical and accessible information, advice
10
 
and guidance to—
 
 
(a)
persons requesting or considering requesting assistance to end their
 
 
own lives;
 
 
(b)
next of kin and families of such persons;
 
 
(c)
the general public.
15
 
(4)
In this section “relevant Chief Medical Officer” means—
 
 
(a)
in relation to England, the Chief Medical Officer for England;
 
 
(b)
in relation to Wales, the Chief Medical Officer for Wales.
 

Provision through NHS etc

 
"Secretary of State’s powers to ensure assistance is available"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause enables the Secretary of State to secure that arrangements are in place for assistance to be provided in accordance with the Bill, including arrangements for the funding of any provision made. This would enable the Secretary of State to provide for services to be provided through the health service or by a separate service.

32
Secretary of State’s powers to ensure assistance is available
20
 
(1)
The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision—
 
 
(a)
to secure that arrangements are made, by the Secretary of State or other
 
 
persons, for the provision of assistance to persons in accordance with this
 
 
Act, and
 
 
(b)
for related matters.
25
 
(2)
Regulations under subsection (1) may, in particular, enable the provision of such
 
 
assistance as part of the health service in England and the health service in Wales.
 
 
(3)
The power to make regulations under subsection (1) includes power to amend,
 
 
repeal or revoke any provision made by an enactment passed or made before
 
 
the end of the Session in which this Act is passed.
30
 
(4)
Regulations under subsection (1) are subject to the affirmative procedure.
 

Monitoring and review

 
"Notifications to Chief Medical Officers"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause enables the Secretary of State to make regulations to ensure the Chief Medical Officers are notified of steps taken under the Bill. The information will enable the Chief Medical Officers to monitor and report on the operation of the Bill under clause 34.

33
Notifications to Chief Medical Officers
 
 
(1)
The Secretary of State may, by regulations, require any registered medical
 
 
practitioner to notify the relevant Chief Medical Officer of any notifiable
35
 
event.
 

Page 20

 
(2)
The following are notifiable events in relation to a registered medical
 
 
practitioner—
 
 
(a)
the practitioner witnessing a first declaration under section 5 as the
 
 
coordinating doctor;
 
 
(b)
the practitioner, having carried out the first assessment, providing or
5
 
refusing to provide the statement mentioned in section 7(3);
 
 
(c)
the practitioner, having carried out the second assessment, providing
 
 
or refusing to provide the statement mentioned in section 8(5);
 
 
(d)
the practitioner witnessing a second declaration under section 13;
 
 
(e)
the practitioner making or refusing to make a statement under section
10
 
13(5);
 
 
(f)
the practitioner making a final statement under section 21;
 
 
(g)
the practitioner making a record in a person’s medical records in
 
 
accordance with section 17 or 22 or notifying another practitioner to
 
 
enable such a record to be made;
15
 
(h)
such other events as may be specified by the Secretary of State by
 
 
regulations.
 
 
(3)
Regulations under subsection (1) may—
 
 
(a)
specify the information which must be contained in the notification;
 
 
(b)
specify the manner in which the notification must be given;
20
 
(c)
make provision about enforcement of the regulations.
 
 
(4)
In this section “relevant Chief Medical Officer” has the meaning given by
 
 
section 31(4).
 
 
(5)
Regulations under this section are subject to the negative procedure.
 
"Monitoring by Chief Medical Officers"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Under subsection (1), the Chief Medical Officer for England and the Chief Medical Officer for Wales are required to:

  • monitor the operation of the Bill,
  • investigate and report to the Secretary of State or, in the case of Wales, the Welsh Ministers, on matters relating to the Bill which are referred for investigation, and
  • submit an annual report to the Secretary of State or, in Wales, the Welsh Ministers on the operation of the Bill.

Subsection (2) sets out matters the annual report must deal with, including information about cases where the High Court or Court of Appeal has refused to make a declaration under the Bill.

Subsection (3) provides the Chief Medical Officers may produce a combined annual report.

Subsection (4) provides the annual reports must be published and laid before Parliament or, as the case may be, Senedd Cymru.

Subsection (5) requires the Secretary of State to publish a written response to any report of a Chief Medical Officer under this clause, and to lay it before Parliament. If the response is to a report made by the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, the Secretary of State's response is also sent to the Welsh Ministers who must lay it before Senedd Cymru.

34
Monitoring by Chief Medical Officers
25
 
(1)
The relevant Chief Medical Officer must—
 
 
(a)
monitor the operation of the Act, including compliance with its
 
 
provisions and any regulations or code of practice made under it,
 
 
(b)
investigate, and report to the relevant national authority on, any matter
 
 
connected with the operation of the Act which the relevant national
30
 
authority refers to the relevant Chief Medical Officer, and
 
 
(c)
submit an annual report to the relevant national authority on the
 
 
operation of the Act.
 
 
(2)
The relevant Chief Medical Officer’s report must include information about
 
 
the occasions when—
35
 
(a)
the coordinating doctor has refused to make a statement under section
 
 
7(3);
 
 
(b)
the independent doctor has refused to make a statement under section
 
 
8(5);
 
 
(c)
the High Court or Court of Appeal has refused to make a declaration
40
 
under section 12;
 
 
(d)
the coordinating doctor has refused to make a statement under section
 
 
13(5).
 

Page 21

 
(3)
The relevant Chief Medical Officers may combine their annual reports for the
 
 
same year in a single document (“a combined report”) in such manner as
 
 
they consider appropriate.
 
 
(4)
The relevant national authority must publish each annual report or combined
 
 
report it receives under this section and—
5
 
(a)
the Secretary of State must lay a copy of each report they receive
 
 
before Parliament, and
 
 
(b)
the Welsh Ministers must—
 
 
(i)
lay a copy of each report they receive before Senedd Cymru,
 
 
and
10
 
(ii)
send a copy of each report (other than a combined report) they
 
 
receive to the Secretary of State.
 
 
(5)
The Secretary of State must—
 
 
(a)
prepare and publish a written response to any report received under
 
 
this section,
15
 
(b)
lay a copy of any written response before Parliament, and
 
 
(c)
if the written response is to a report from the Chief Medical Officer
 
 
for Wales or a combined report, send a copy of the response to the
 
 
Welsh Ministers.
 
 
(6)
The Welsh Ministers must lay a copy of any written response they receive
20
 
under subsection (5)(c) before Senedd Cymru.
 
 
(7)
In this section—
 
 
“relevant Chief Medical Officer” has the meaning given by section 31(4);
 
 
“relevant national authority” means—
 
 
(a)
in relation to the Chief Medical Officer for England, the
25
 
Secretary of State, and
 
 
(b)
in relation to the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, the Welsh
 
 
Ministers.
 
"Review of this Act"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause provides that the Secretary of State must review the operation of the Bill. The review must take place at least 5, but not more than 6, years after the passing of the Bill. The report of the review must be laid before Parliament.

The report must, in particular, set out:

  • the extent to which the Act has successfully met its aim of allowing adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own lives,
  • an assessment of the availability, quality and distribution of appropriate health services to persons with palliative care needs;
  • any concerns with the operation of this Act; and
  • recommendations for changes to codes of practice, guidance or any enactment, including the Bill.
35
Review of this Act
 
 
(1)
The Secretary of State must, during the period of 12 months beginning at the
30
 
end of the initial 5-year period—
 
 
(a)
undertake a review of the operation of this Act,
 
 
(b)
prepare a report on that review, and
 
 
(c)
as soon as reasonably practicable, publish and lay the report before
 
 
Parliament.
35
 
(2)
“The initial 5-year period” means the period of 5 years beginning with the
 
 
day on which this Act is passed.
 
 
(3)
The report must, in particular, set out—
 
 
(a)
the extent to which the Act has successfully met its aim of allowing
 
 
adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections,
40
 
to request and be provided with assistance to end their own lives;
 

Page 22

 
(b)
an assessment of the availability, quality and distribution of appropriate
 
 
health services to persons with palliative care needs, including—
 
 
(i)
pain and symptom management;
 
 
(ii)
psychological support for those persons and their families;
 
 
(iii)
information about palliative care and how to access it;
5
 
(c)
any concerns with the operation of this Act which have been raised;
 
 
and
 
 
(d)
the Secretary of State’s response to any such concerns, including any
 
 
recommendations for changes to codes of practice, guidance or any
 
 
enactment (including this Act).
10

General and final

 
"Disqualification from being witness or proxy"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause makes provision for disqualifying persons from being witnesses or proxies under the Bill. It prevents a person (A) acting as a witness or proxy for a person (B) making a first or second declaration under the Bill if:

  • A is a relative of B (as defined in clause 40);
  • A knows or believes they are a beneficiary under Bill's will or may otherwise benefit from B's death;
  • A is a health professional who has provided treatment or care for the person in relation to their terminal illness;
  • A has not attained the age of 18.
36
Disqualification from being witness or proxy
 
 
(1)
The individuals specified in subsection (2) are disqualified from—
 
 
(a)
witnessing a first declaration by a person under section 5(2)(c)(ii);
 
 
(b)
witnessing a second declaration by a person under section 13(3)(c)(ii);
15
 
(c)
being a proxy for a person intending to have a document signed by
 
 
proxy under section 15.
 
 
(2)
Those individuals are—
 
 
(a)
any relative of the person;
 
 
(b)
anyone who knows or believes that they—
20
 
(i)
are a beneficiary under a will of the person, or
 
 
(ii)
may otherwise benefit financially or in any other material way
 
 
from the death of the person;
 
 
(c)
any health professional who has provided treatment or care for the
 
 
person in relation to that person’s terminal illness;
25
 
(d)
any person who has not attained the age of 18.
 
 
(3)
In subsection (2)(c), the reference to “terminal illness” means the illness,
 
 
disease or medical condition mentioned in section 2(1)(a).
 
"Modification of form of declarations and statements"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

This clause confers power on the Secretary of State, by regulations, to amend the forms set out in the Schedules of the Bill.

37
Modification of form of declarations and statements
 
 
(1)
The Secretary of State may by regulations amend or replace any of Schedules
30
 
1 to 6.
 
 
(2)
Regulations under subsection (1) are subject to the negative procedure.
 
38
Power to make consequential and transitional provision etc
 
 
(1)
The Secretary of State may by regulations make—
 
 
(a)
such supplementary, incidental or consequential provision, or
35
 
(b)
such transitory, transitional or saving provision,
 
 
as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the purposes or in
 
 
consequence of any provision made by this Act.
 

Page 23

 
(2)
Regulations under subsection (1) are subject to the negative procedure.
 
39
Regulations
 
 
(1)
A power to make regulations under any provision of this Act includes power
 
 
to make different provision for different purposes.
 
 
(2)
Regulations under this Act are to be made by statutory instrument.
5
 
(3)
Where regulations under this Act are subject to “the affirmative procedure”,
 
 
the regulations may not be made unless a draft of the statutory instrument
 
 
containing them has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each
 
 
House of Parliament.
 
 
(4)
Where regulations under this Act are subject to “the negative procedure”, the
10
 
statutory instrument containing them is subject to annulment in pursuance
 
 
of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
 
 
(5)
Any provision that may be made by regulations under this Act subject to the
 
 
negative procedure may be made by regulations subject to the affirmative
 
 
procedure.
15
 
(6)
This section does not apply to regulations under section 42 (commencement).
 
40
Interpretation
 
 
(1)
In this Act, references to the provision of assistance to a person to end their
 
 
own life in accordance with this Act are to the provision of assistance to that
 
 
person to end their own life in circumstances where the provision is authorised
20
 
by section 1.
 
 
(2)
In this Act—
 
 
“the affirmative procedure” has the meaning given in section 39(3);
 
 
“approved substance” has the meaning given in section 20(2);
 
 
“coordinating doctor” has the meaning given in section 5(3);
25
 
“capacity” (except in section 15(3)(b)) is to be construed in accordance
 
 
with section 3;
 
 
“GP practice” , of a person, means the general medical practice with which
 
 
the person is registered;
 
 
“health professional” means—
30
 
(a)
a registered medical practitioner;
 
 
(b)
a registered nurse;
 
 
(c)
a registered pharmacist or a registered pharmacy technician
 
 
within the meaning of the Pharmacy Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/231)
 
 
(see article 3 of that Order);
35
 
“independent doctor” has the meaning given in section 7(3)(c);
 
 
“the negative procedure” has the meaning given by section 39(4);
 
 
“relative” , in relation to any person, means—
 
 
(a)
the spouse or civil partner of that person,
 

Page 24

 
(b)
any lineal ancestor, lineal descendant, sibling, aunt, uncle or
 
 
cousin of that person or the person’s spouse or civil partner,
 
 
or
 
 
(c)
the spouse or civil partner of any relative mentioned in
 
 
paragraph (b).
5
 
(3)
For the purpose of deducing any relationship mentioned in the definition of
 
 
“relative” in subsection (2), a spouse or civil partner includes a former spouse
 
 
or civil partner and a partner to whom the person is not married, and a
 
 
step-child of any person is treated as that person’s child.
 
 
(4)
For the purposes of this Act, a registered medical practitioner is not to be
10
 
regarded as benefiting financially or in any other material way from the death
 
 
of a person by reason only of the practitioner receiving reasonable
 
 
remuneration for the provision of services in connection with the provision
 
 
of assistance to that person in accordance with this Act.
 
41
Extent
15
 
This Act extends to England and Wales.
 
"Commencement"

Source Bill 012 EN 2024-25

Subsection (1) lists the provisions that come into force as soon as the Bill is passed.

Subsection (2) provides that the other provisions come into force on the day (or days) specified by the Secretary of State by regulations.

But, if any provision has not been brought fully into force at the end of the period of 2 years beginning with the day the Bill is passed, it automatically comes fully into force at the end of that 2 year period.

42
Commencement
 
 
(1)
Sections 37 to 41, this section and section 43 come into force on the day on
 
 
which this Act is passed.
 
 
(2)
The other provisions of this Act come into force on such day or days as the
20
 
Secretary of State may by regulations appoint.
 
 
(3)
But if any provision of this Act has not been fully brought into force before
 
 
the end of the period of 2 years beginning with the day on which this Act is
 
 
passed, that provision (so far as not already in force) comes into force at the
 
 
end of that period.
25
 
(4)
The Secretary of State may by regulations make transitional or saving provision
 
 
in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act.
 
 
(5)
The power to make regulations under this section includes power to make
 
 
different provision for different purposes.
 
 
(6)
Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.
30
43
Short title
 
 
This Act may be cited as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Act 2024.
 

Page 25

Schedules

 
 
Schedule 1
Section 5
 

Form of the first declaration

 
Amendments

No amendments available.