A Bill that proposes to legalise assisted dying for adults of sound mind who have six or fewer months left to live has secured second place in the House of Lords private member’s bill ballot. The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill is being put forward by Lord Falconer, and unlike previous bills, has a strong chance of becoming law, given that the Prime Minister has repeatedly committed to making time for a Bill to pass. Humanists UK, which has campaigned for assisted dying for over a century, welcomes the Bill, but is disappointed that it is limited to just the terminally ill, meaning many – such as the late campaigners Tony Nicklinson and Paul Lamb – who are suffering from non-terminal conditions like multiple sclerosis or locked-in syndrome will not be able to have a compassionate death.

Helping someone to end their life is a criminal offence in England and Wales, which carries a maximum prison sentence of up to fourteen years in jail. However, if the Assisted Dying Bill becomes law, people suffering from terminal illnesses could be helped to die provided they reach a clear, settled, and voluntary decision, and satisfy various safeguards. Those suffering from incurable conditions, such as Paul Lamb and Tony Nicklinson, would not be eligible for assistance.

Since it was drawn second, the Bill is likely to be debated over the coming year. If it receives sufficient support, it could become law. It is due to have its first reading on 26 July.

Andrew Copson, Humanists UK’s Chief Executive, said: 

‘Allowing people to choose the manner and moment of their own death should be seen as the hallmark of a compassionate society and recognised as a basic human right. As a first step towards a kinder, inclusive, and more dignified law on assisted dying, we welcome the introduction of this Bill and the opportunity it will create for parliamentarians to consider the overwhelming evidence favouring a change in the law. We pledge to work with Peers and MPs to make this Bill as compassionate as possible.

‘It is disappointing that politicians won’t be able to debate a law that would extend the same compassion to the many people who are not terminally ill but are incurably suffering. People like Tony Nicklinson, who had locked-in syndrome and suffered for years, should be allowed that right.’