A Proposed legislation to legalize assisted dying A bill for terminally ill adults in England and Wales has been formally introduced in the House of Commons.

MPs can now see the details and debate the content of the bill before voting in a few weeks to decide whether they agree with the proposals.

If enough of them vote yes, the bill will move to the committee stage for further scrutiny.

It would require further debate and votes in both the Commons and the Lords before it could become law, which would take years.

The bill – called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – would make it legal for people over the age of 18 who are terminally ill to be given assistance to end their lives.

But the requirements are:

• They must be resident in England and Wales and registered with a GP for at least 12 months
• They must have the mental capacity to make a choice and will be deemed to have expressed a clear, organized and informed will, free from duress or coercion.
• They should be expected to die within six months
• They must make, testify, and sign two separate declarations about their wish to die
• Two independent doctors must be satisfied that the person is eligible – and there must be at least seven days between the doctors’ assessments
• The High Court judge must hear at least one doctor and may also examine the dying person or any other person he considers appropriate. There must be another 14 days after the judge makes his decision

Along with the list of requirements, the Bill is also proposing safeguards.

It would make it illegal to pressure, force or use dishonesty to make someone declare that they want to end their life, or to induce someone to self-administer an approved substance.

And if someone is found guilty of any of these acts, they can be sentenced to up to 14 years in prison.

Under the bill, a doctor can prepare the substance, but the individual will take it himself.

This is called physician-assisted suicide.

No doctor or anyone else will be allowed to administer medicine to a terminally ill person. Doctors will also be under no obligation to participate in the assisted dying process.

Voluntary euthanasia is where a health professional gives medicines to the patient.

a separate bill Discussions are already underway in Scotland.

Meanwhile, politicians… jersey and this Isle of Man Plans to introduce assisted dying have already been supported and the process of introducing legislation is underway.

The US state of Oregon legalized assisted death in 1997 for terminally ill adults with six months or less to live.

It is also legal in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington, and Washington DC, and some other states are considering legalizing it.

Switzerland has allowed assisted suicide for adults since 1942 and its Dignitas facility began operating in 1998.

Assisted dying is legal for terminally ill adults in Canada, but the country has delayed expanding its medical assistance in dying program for people suffering from mental illness.

Some countries have made it legal for teenagers to take their own life in certain circumstances.

NetherlandsFor example, assisted suicide and euthanasia have been legalized. Minors can request it from the age of 12, but they will need parental consent until they are 16.