Content warning: This page talks about someone choosing to end their life. It may be hard or upsetting to read. You do not have to read this page at all or can come back to it later. If you’d like to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, call our free Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or email support@mariecurie.org.uk.
Assisted dying is when an adult with a terminal illness is prescribed medicines that they take to end their life. It’s not legal in the UK. We’ve written this page to explain what assisted dying is, what’s happening in the UK, and to answer questions or worries you might have.
Does Marie Curie support assisted dying?
Marie Curie has a neutral position on assisted dying. This means we are not for or against it. We believe that palliative and end of life care need to be improved, whether or not assisted dying becomes legal.
What is assisted dying?
Assisted dying is when an adult with a terminal illness is prescribed medicines to end their life. They must meet certain criteria, including:
- being able to take the medicines themselves
- being able to make the decision for themselves (having mental capacity).
Assisted dying is the phrase Marie Curie uses when talking about this topic. It’s also what you’ll usually see used in the media. This is what’s being proposed in the UK (see What’s the law on assisted dying in the UK? below).
You may hear different words or phrases used in conversations about assisted dying. Some people disagree about the definitions. Below, we share some that are sometimes used.
Other words or phrases you might hear
What’s the law on assisted dying in the UK?
Assisted dying is not legal in the UK.
Proposed changes to the law on assisted dying
In England and Wales, and Scotland, changes to the law on assisted dying have been proposed. These are called Bills. Bills need to pass certain steps before any law is changed.
There are currently no Bills to change the law on assisted dying in Northern Ireland.
Assisted dying in England and Wales
In England and Wales, the Bill has passed a first vote. This does not mean that the law has now changed.
In the coming months, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Peers will look at the detail of the Bill. There will be further votes and they will be able to make changes to it.
Why are England and Wales grouped together?
In UK law, some issues that affect Wales are decided by the Welsh Parliament. This is called devolution or devolved powers. Other issues are decided by the Westminster Parliament.
Whether assisted dying becomes legal is a justice issue. This means it will be decided by the Westminster Parliament. So you’ll see England and Wales grouped together when it’s spoken about.
Assisted dying in Scotland
In Scotland, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) will read, comment on and debate the Bill. Then they’ll vote on whether to look at it in more detail. A vote at this stage will not change the law.
The vote in England and Wales does not affect Scotland's Bill.
Are the assisted dying Bills the same?
No, the Bills are separate. The Bill in England and Wales will not affect the Bill in Scotland. And the Bill in Scotland will not affect the Bill in England and Wales.
The Bills are both about assisted dying for adults with a terminal illness. They have some differences in wording and criteria. This may change as the Bills go through the next steps.
Can palliative care work alongside assisted dying?
Palliative care and assisted dying are separate things. People will still have palliative care and end of life care, whether or not assisted dying becomes legal.
In countries where assisted dying is legal, if someone chooses assisted dying, they can have palliative care and end of life care up until the time they die.
Pain when dying
It may be worrying to hear people talking more about pain and other symptoms towards the end of life.
Although people living with a terminal illness may have pain, some do not. If they do, there are things that can help to manage it. This might be with medicine or drug-free pain relief, such as heat and cold therapies.
There are also medicines and different methods to help manage other symptoms.
Decisions about treatment or care
Assisted dying is not the same as making an advance decision about treatment or care. If you or someone you know has a terminal illness, you might be thinking about:
- advance care planning or future care planning
- advance decision to refuse treatment (ADRT)
- do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR or DNAR) decisions.
These things are legal in the UK. They are part of conversations you’ll have with your healthcare team.
Getting palliative care or end of life care
If you’re worried about getting the care you need, it might help to know your options. You could speak with your GP, district nurse or another member of your healthcare team. Hospice, hospital and care home staff can also support you.
There are also free, national services, like the Marie Curie Support Line, that can offer practical information and emotional support. Call us on 0800 090 2309 or email support@mariecurie.org.uk.
Getting support
If conversations around assisted dying worry you or you need support, we’re here for you. Call our free Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or email support@mariecurie.org.uk. Our team, including Information and Support Nurses, can give you emotional support and practical information.