Member

You could not proceed without being satisfied that the patient knew of all the material that I have referred to, including the reference to how the drugs will operate, what the possible side effects are and what the risks are. To the extent that there could be any doubt about that, it is put to rest by Clause 12, which indicates that both doctors—we have already gone through this—must specifically state to the patient the nature of the substance to be provided to assist them to end their own life, including how it will bring about death and how it will be administered; and discuss with the person their wishes in the event of complications arising in connection with the self-administration of an approved substance under Clause 25. If that is what the Bill says, it is impossible to envisage in those circumstances that you would be properly informing the patient unless you told them how the drugs will bring an end to their life. Various Members of your Lordships’ House referred to the fact that research may be uncertain in relation to this. If that is the position—I do not accept that it is—that would have to be said in describing what the risks are.