Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 19 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 March 2003. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Thursday, 27 March 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what procedures there are to monitor whether a terminally ill patient has received an assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia from (a) a member of the health care team and (b) a family member.

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures there are to monitor whether a terminally ill patient has received an assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia from (a) a member of the health care team and (b) a family member. [104536] Mr. Lammy: Euthanasia, the intentional taking of life at the patient's request or for a merciful motive, is unlawful in the United Kingdom. Similarly, assisted suicide is unlawful under the Suicide Act 1961. The investigation of alleged criminal offences and the decision whether to prefer charges in a particular case are operational matters for the chief officer of the police force concerned.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 104536; 402 c388W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Chronic illnesses Doctors Families Euthanasia Patients Monitoring Palliative care Suicide
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk