Assisted suicide is banned in Northern Ireland, with a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.
The introduction of the Choice at the End of Life Bill at Westminster today means that Northern Ireland is now the only jurisdiction on these islands not to have begun a serious political debate on the issue, despite two-thirds of the population expressing support for the legislation here.
In recent weeks, a number of people have spoken in favour of the introduction of euthanasia in the UK including Dame Esther Rantzen who is terminally ill with lung cancer and last year revealed she had joined Dignitas, the assisted dying clinic in Switzerland. “My Death, My Decision recent LucidTalk Poll results show that people here want an honest, respectful and evidence-based debate on the issue of voluntary assisted dying. It’s now the responsibility of our legislators to agree the mechanism by which they might take evidence from the 31 jurisdictions around the world where voluntary assisted dying is legalised and formulate legislation that meets the needs of our people.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Stormont Executive Urged To Take Stronger Stance On Racism In Northern IrelandChief Constable Jon Boutcher called for a more robust response from the Stormont Executive to tackle racist behavior in Northern Ireland following delays in removing anti-Muslim posters.
Read more »
1,000 jobs to be created across Northern Ireland by Stormont departmentGary Middleton says news a 'demonstration of the minister’s commitment to regional balance and to the wider North West region'
Read more »
Northern Lights Offer Stunning Display in Northern IrelandStargazers in Northern Ireland had a spectacular opportunity to witness the Northern Lights on Thursday night due to increased solar activity. The Met Office predicted a strong chance of visibility, allowing locals to experience this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
Read more »
Scots Assisted Dying Bill consultation sees 20,000 people have their sayLiam McArthur is the third politician to try to pass such controversial legislation through the Scottish Parliament.
Read more »
Widower who watched wife die in agony to make assisted dying plea at Conservative Party ConferenceA Shropshire widower who watched his wife suffocate over the course of four days will urge Conservative MPs to back a change in the law on assisted dying.
Read more »
Assisted dying must not be 'cost saving' alternative to palliative care, says Tom TugendhatTom Tugendhat said he is uncomfortable with assisted dying laws that could be seen as a 'cost-saving' measure, arguing that proper care for the vulnerable must remain the priority.
Read more »