Peers in the House of Lords have begun a major debate on plans to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, passed by MPs in June, is one of the most sensitive pieces of legislation to come before Parliament in years.
If approved, the law would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to apply for an assisted death under strict safeguards. Almost 200 peers are expected to speak over two days of debate, including former prime minister Theresa May, senior bishops and dozens of former ministers.
What the Bill Proposes
The bill would allow patients to request an assisted death if two doctors confirm their condition and life expectancy. A panel of a psychiatrist, a senior judge or lawyer and a social worker would also need to sign off before the request could proceed.
Campaigners say the law would give people dignity and choice at the end of their lives. Opponents warn it could open the door to abuse and put vulnerable people under pressure to end their lives early.
Concerns Over Scrutiny
One of the biggest criticisms has been the speed at which the bill has moved through Parliament.
The House of Lords Constitution Committee said the level of scrutiny so far was “significantly less” than would normally be expected for a government bill. Another committee said it risked giving ministers “sweeping, unspecified and unjustified powers.”
Baroness Luciana Berger, a Labour peer and leading critic, has called for more evidence to be taken before the bill moves forward. “The uncomfortable truth is this bill is silent on a whole raft of issues which means we are in the dark about how assisted dying would work in practice,” she said.
She has tabled an amendment for a committee to investigate further. Supporters of the plan insist it is not a delaying tactic but a necessary step to examine the detail.
Calls to Respect MPs’ Decision
Backers of the bill argue that peers should not block what elected MPs have already endorsed.
Lord Falconer, the former Labour justice secretary who is leading the case in the Lords, said: “The Commons has decided that there should be assisted dying as an option for those who are terminally ill. We should respect that decision.
“We are appointed; they are elected. It is for the elected representatives to decide whether or not this is the right step.”
He added that while changes could be made, it would not be “remotely appropriate” to wreck the bill.
Deeply Divided Issue
The question of assisted dying has long divided opinion in Britain. Supporters say it allows people to avoid unnecessary suffering and points to examples in Canada, Belgium and New Zealand, where similar laws already exist.
Opponents, including faith leaders, argue no safeguard can completely protect people from being coerced. Some in the medical profession also worry it could fundamentally change the role of doctors. Others, however, believe it would help patients die with dignity and reduce pain at the end of life.
What Happens Next
The Lords debate is at second reading, meaning no votes are expected this week. Later stages in the autumn will see peers propose amendments. Likely areas of focus include safeguards against coercion, mental capacity checks and the powers given to ministers.
If the Lords make changes that MPs disagree with, the bill could enter “ping-pong” — a process where legislation moves back and forth between the Commons and the Lords until agreement is reached.
Can the Bill Pass?
Whether the bill becomes law is still uncertain. Much depends on cross-bench peers, who are not tied to any party. Both supporters and opponents believe the outcome will rest on how those peers vote.
A key factor is time. The government recently extended the current parliamentary session until spring 2026, giving the bill enough room to complete its journey through Parliament. Without that, it could have run out of time.
If it does pass the Lords with amendments, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater — who is sponsoring the bill — will need to decide whether to accept the changes or try to overturn them in the Commons.
Why This Matters
The debate touches on questions of autonomy, compassion, and the role of the state in people’s most private decisions. For supporters like Lord Falconer, it is about offering choice. For critics like Baroness Berger, it is about protecting the vulnerable from unintended harm.
The two-day debate will not settle the matter, but it marks an important stage in what could be Britain’s first law on assisted dying. Both sides agree that whatever Parliament decides will have profound consequences for patients, families, doctors and society as a whole.
Key Takeaway
The Lords debate on the Assisted Dying Bill is a critical step in determining whether England and Wales will legalise assisted dying. With strong arguments on both sides, and peers deeply split, the next few months will be decisive in shaping the future of end-of-life care in Britain.
