Assisted dying bill: how will it work and when will it come into effect? | Assisted dying
By: Rowena Mason Whitehall editor | Published: 2025-06-20 17:46:00 | Source: www.theguardian.com
The right to an assisted death will become law in England and Wales within four years as MPs backed a historic societal shift in parliament on Friday by a tight majority. But what does it mean for the future?
When could the first assisted death happen?
It may be some years away yet – although no later than 2029. There is no timetable but, under the terms of the legislation, it needs to start within four years after the law is passed.
The bill is likely to be given royal assent by the end of the year, if it passes smoothly through the House of Lords. However, there are many details about the process that are yet to be ironed out, including how the system will work either within the NHS or outside it, that could delay its implementation.
What about people who are sick now?
Many people with…
