Euthanasia, whether voluntary, non-voluntary, or involuntary, is illegal under current UK law. Assisting someone in ending their life, regardless of the circumstances, is considered either manslaughter or murder, depending on the intent and specifics of the case.
Medical professionals who are found to have participated in euthanasia or assisted dying can face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and loss of medical licence.
Definitions and Types of Euthanasia
Definition of Euthanasia: Euthanasia refers to the practice of intentionally ending a person’s life to relieve them from suffering or incurable illness. It is a highly contentious and complex issue, often debated in legal, ethical, and medical contexts.
Types of Euthanasia
- Voluntary Euthanasia: This occurs when a competent individual makes a conscious decision to end their own life and requests assistance to do so. It involves explicit consent and is often associated with terminal illness or severe, unmanageable pain.
- Non-Voluntary Euthanasia: This involves ending the life of a person who is unable to give explicit consent, such as someone who is in a coma or suffers from severe cognitive impairment. Decisions are typically made by family members or legal representatives, often based on the perceived best interests of the patient.
- Involuntary Euthanasia: This occurs when a person’s life is ended without their consent and against their will. It is widely considered unethical and illegal, often equated with murder.
Distinction Between Euthanasia and Assisted Dying
Euthanasia – Directly administered by a third party, such as a doctor or caregiver, often through the administration of lethal substances.
Assisted Dying – Involves providing the means or information for a person to end their own life, such as prescribing lethal medication that the person then takes themselves. This practice is often included in discussions about euthanasia but is legally distinct in many jurisdictions.
Current Legal Framework in the UK
Overview of Relevant Laws and Regulations: The legality of euthanasia and assisted dying in the UK is governed by several key pieces of legislation that strictly regulate these practices.
Suicide Act 1961
Under the Suicide Act 1961, suicide itself is not a criminal offence in the UK. However, assisting or encouraging another person’s suicide is a criminal act. Section 2 of the Act makes it illegal to assist or encourage suicide, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
This legislation applies to both euthanasia and assisted dying, making it clear that any form of assistance in ending another person’s life is prohibited by law.
Assisted Dying Bill
There have been several attempts to pass an Assisted Dying Bill in the UK Parliament, most recently in 2021. These bills aim to legalise assisted dying under strict conditions, such as for terminally ill patients with a prognosis of six months or less to live.
Despite significant public debate and support from various advocacy groups, these bills have not yet been passed into law. As a result, both euthanasia and assisted dying remain illegal in the UK.
Legal Consequences of Euthanasia and Assisted Dying
Assisting or conducting euthanasia in the UK is a serious criminal offence. Under the Suicide Act 1961, any individual found guilty of assisting or encouraging another person’s suicide can face up to 14 years in prison. This applies to both direct assistance (e.g., administering lethal drugs) and indirect assistance (e.g., providing information or means for suicide).
Medical professionals who participate in euthanasia or assisted dying can also face disciplinary actions from professional bodies, including being struck off the medical register, effectively ending their medical career.
One example is that of Dr. Michael Irwin, who has publicly admitted to assisting patients in ending their lives and has faced legal scrutiny. Although he was not prosecuted, his actions sparked significant debate and illustrated the legal and professional risks faced by those involved in such practices.