- Euthanasia illegal in UK
- Assisted suicide under debate
- Legal changes considered globally
Medically assisted death, or euthanasia, is currently prohibited in the United Kingdom and the British Isles as a whole.
However, this could soon change.
At present, individuals who administer euthanasia or provide medical care may be prosecuted for manslaughter or homicide.
Assisting an individual who is terminally ill to commit suicide, known as assisted suicide, is a criminal offence punishable by up to fourteen years in prison in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Although Scotland does not have specific legislation regarding assisted suicide, assisting someone in their final moments may lead to a culpable homicide charge if the court determines the death was not wholly voluntary.
Theoretically, these laws could also apply to British citizens assisting a family member in obtaining medically assisted suicide abroad, such as in Switzerland.
Aiding and accompanying someone to Switzerland for medically-assisted death would not ordinarily result in legal repercussions, according to Scottish courts.
Visiting or intending to visit Dignitas clinics would not violate any legislation.
According to the latest data, the Crown Prosecution Service investigated 182 cases of assisted suicide from April 2009 to March 2023.
The outcomes of these investigations are unknown.
Four were successfully prosecuted. Eight charged but acquitted were elevated to counts of homicide or other serious offences.
There are four more ongoing.
Notably, the offence of aiding and abetting suicide is not limited to medical situations.
Additionally, recorded offences may include attempts to intimidate or coerce sound individuals into suicide.
Dignitas data indicates that since 2009, its services have been responsible for the deaths of over 400 Britons.
Assisted suicide or dying is permitted in at least 27 jurisdictions globally.
Additionally, Scotland might become the first nation in the United Kingdom to join them.
In Holyrood, a member’s bill regarding medically assisted death is expected to be debated next year.
Before its initial discussion and vote, any proposed legislation would undergo scrutiny by Scotland’s health committee. Consequently, despite majority support, the legislation would not be immediately enacted.
Although not part of the United Kingdom, other regions in the British Isles are also seeking to change their laws.
Currently, the Isle of Man is discussing proposals related to assisted dying.
A report from its legislature, the Tynwald, is expected soon. Only individuals with a six-month prognosis would be eligible if legalised, and they must have resided there for at least one year.
In 2021, Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, passed a preliminary resolution to legalise assisted dying, followed by consultations.
Later this year, legislators will debate how to implement a law as part of this process. A law would be drafted if the assembly approves the policy proposals; this process is estimated to take 12 to 18 months.
Following the approval of a proposed law, an additional 18-month implementation period would elapse before its enforcement.
The proposals would allow individuals suffering from a terminal illness or enduring “insufferable suffering” the ability to end their lives.
To qualify, individuals must have been “regular residents of Jersey for a minimum of twelve months.”
