Independent inquiry into assisted dying launched  

Lord (Ian) Blair of Boughton, Revd Canon Dr James Woodward, Dr Stephen Duckworth and Professor Sam Ahmedzai are among members of the Commission on Assisted Dying, announced in a speech by Lord Falconer, the commission’s chair, in London this morning. 

The Commission on Assisted Dying will review evidence from experts and the public and consider what system, if any, should exist to allow people to be assisted to die and whether any changes in the law should be introduced. The commission will publish a final report by December 2011. 

Though assisted dying is illegal in the UK, it is possible for people to have assistance to end their lives by travelling abroad or with non-medical assistance from a friend or family member without anyone being prosecuted. To date, over 150 Britons have travelled abroad to die and no one has been prosecuted for accompanying or assisting them. The Commission on Assisted dying will seek clarity on current legal ambiguities.