The law on assisted dying
This pack has been prepared ahead of the debate to be held on the law on assisted dying in Westminster Hall at 3pm on Thursday 23 January 2020. The debate will be opened by Christine Jardine MP.
Administration of justiceCriminal lawMedical ethics
Briefing
Under the Suicide Act 1961 it is an offence for a person to encourage or assist the suicide (or attempted suicide) of another. Suicide or attempted suicide are not in themselves criminal offences.
There have been several legal cases regarding the offence of assisted suicide, particularly in the context of disabled or terminally ill people who are unable to end their lives without assistance from family, friends or doctors.
Documents