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Safeguarding practice guidance: assisted dying

Assisted dying, is generally used to describe a situation where someone who is terminally ill seeks medical help to obtain lethal drugs which they administer themselves. The Suicide Act 1961 also makes it illegal to encourage or assist a suicide in England and Wales. Those found guilty could face up to 14 years in prison.

Assisted suicide, is intentionally helping another person to end their life. Providing someone with a lethal dose of sedatives or helping them go to Switzerland (where assisted suicide is legal) could both be considered assisted suicide.

Euthanasia, is the act of deliberately ending a person's life to relieve suffering in which a lethal drug is administered by a physician. Euthanasia is illegal under English law and is considered manslaughter or murder. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

Please note that there is no consensus on the language and terms used for this subject matter as acknowledged by the UK Parliament which is undertaking an inquiry.

The laws throughout the UK prevent people from asking for medical help to die. All concerns should be reported to the police. If the adult at risk has care and support needs, a safeguarding concern must always be raised in addition to the police report. As well as escalated within the reporting organisation.

For a person and their loved ones expressing a wish to die is extremely personal and distressing, health and social care professionals should ensure that they treat them with compassion whilst also being clear on their duty to report this.

Health and Social Care Professionals working with cases where assisted dying is a concern should ensure that they seek manager/peer support to protect their wellbeing.

The correct application of the Mental Capacity Act is vital. Find more information on our Mental Capacity Act and DoLs page.

Here are some helpful resources for practitioners in health and social care to familiarise themselves with (content warning: these webpages discuss issues around end of life, assisted dying, euthanasia, and suicide which you may find distressing):

Support available

If you are affected by the themes of this briefing, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of the nearest branch.

If you have concerns about yourself or someone else in an emergency situation, you should contact the police on 999.

In addition to your GP, the following organisations may be able to offer support or further information:

  • Samaritans - support and guidance for everyone - call 116 123 - 24 hours a day every day or email jo@samaritans.org
  • The Silver Line - a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to people aged 55 and over, and support for older people who are suffering abuse and neglect - open 24 hours a day every day - call 0800 4 70 80 90
  • Mind - for information, advice, and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem - call: 0300 123 3393