Assisted Dying

Queensland has become the fifth Australian state to permit euthanasia. Terminally ill people in the state will be able to access drugs to end their own lives after the state legislature voted to legalise the practice.

Some 200 medical professionals have expressed “great concern” over a proposed bill to grant the terminally ill the right to an assisted suicide. Health care professionals from various specialities have signed a letter to Health Secretary Humza Yousaf detailing their concerns.

Jersey is to legalise assisted dying after a citizens’ jury voted in favour of a change in the law. Last week, 78 per cent of a citizens' jury that was convened on the issue said that terminally ill islanders should be able to seek help to end their life.

A bill to legalise assisted dying is being lodged at Holyrood today. The proposals by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur would introduce the right to an assisted death for terminally ill, mentally competent adults.