Member

Secondly, Amendments 210 and 211, on protecting young people, seek to strengthen safeguards where young people are concerned. I have previously supported amendments proposing that we raise the minimum age for assisted dying to 25, based on neuroscientific evidence that the brain continues to develop into the mid-20s. However, if that is not possible, it is essential that Clause 6 protects younger people. Clause 6 prohibits raising assisted dying with a person under 18, and that is welcome, but what happens if that is breached? Amendment 210 would provide that such a breach must be referred to the General Medical Council. Without consequence, a statutory prohibition risks becoming merely symbolic. Statutory prohibitions normally carry consequence, and clarity here would protect both the patient and the clinician.