The proposed legislation seeks to provide terminally ill individuals with the option to end their lives in a manner they find dignified and less painful. The bill emphasizes that it will include safeguards to protect patients and their families, ensuring that decisions are made by those who are mentally competent and free from external pressure.
Campaigners, including high-profile figures like Dame Esther Rantzen, have been advocating for this change, arguing that it would offer hope and relief to terminally ill patients and their families. However, opposition groups such as Care Not Killing caution against potential risks, urging improvements in palliative care instead.
Cabinet collective responsibility will be waived, allowing ministers to vote according to their personal views on this sensitive issue. This bill aims to balance providing end-of-life choices while maintaining strong protections against misuse.