Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 July 1997. It was answered by Baroness Jay of Paddington (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 July 1997.

Jay of Paddington, Baroness

Question: Further to the Answers given by Baroness Jay of Paddington on 3 July, 581 c298-301, whether they consider that it is lawful for a doctor or nurse whose primary intention is the relief of severe distress (as distinct from pain), and not the deliberate shortening of the patient's life, to give medication to a terminally ill patient, in accordance with the patient's wishes, to relieve such severe distress, even though the likely consequences may be the shortening of the patient's life.

Secondary information