Assisted dying is a broad term that includes both assisted suicide and euthanasia. Assisted suicide is facilitated by another person, usually a doctor who provides a lethal drug so that a terminally ill person can end their own life (although it can also include helping a person travel to another jurisdiction to to die there). Euthanasia is the act of a medical professional actually administering medication to end a person’s life.

What is the law in the UK?

In the UK, both assisted suicide and euthanasia are illegal. In England and Wales, euthanasia is considered murder or manslaughter, and “encouraging or assisting” a suicide is illegal under the Suicide Act 1961. The CPS uses complex charging guidelines which mean people will mostly not be charged under Suicide Act if motivated. through compassion and if the person assisted has made a “clear decision” to die; but some prosecutions still occur occasionally. (The law in Scotland is generally comparable.) Withdrawing or withholding care or using strong sedatives that advance death are considered legally distinct if the end of life is not the primary purpose.

Where is assisted dying currently legal?