Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 November 2008.

Assisted Dying

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Statement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Maria Eagle, on 11 November (Official Report, House of Commons, col. 241WH) that the legal position on assisted dying is clear, whether a doctor may lawfully administer what she reasonably believes to be appropriate medical treatment to her terminally ill patient, in accordance with the patient's wish to avoid extreme suffering, even though its probable effect will be to shorten the patient's life.

Answer: There is a consensus among clinical experts that accurate and effective use of strong opioid drugs to ease suffering does not cause a reduction in a patient's life expectancy: that is, there is no risk of harm if they are administered correctly.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6494; 705 c292WA
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Assisted Dying
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons; Assisted Dying
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Doctors Drugs Euthanasia Patients Palliative care
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk