Assisted dying bill to include protection for NHS staff not wishing to take part

NHS staff including doctors, nurses and pharmacists who do not wish to take part in assisted dying will have specific protection against discrimination under a new amendment from the bill’s sponsor Kim Leadbeater, backed by ministers.

Leadbeater, who is hoping to shore up support for the bill before a crucial Commons vote next week, will add the additional protections for any staff involved in the proposed process, including ancillary staff, who will not have to give any reason for their refusal.

The private member’s bill, which faces its next Commons stage next Friday (16 May), currently says doctors and health professionals may refuse to take part.

But the Guardian understands this will be extended to any person who may possibly be involved in the process and will be amended to say “no person is under any duty to participate in the provision of assistance”.

There will also be an amendment to the current Employment Rights Act that will specifically ban discrimination, dismissal or disciplinary action if a person chooses not to participate.

“Choice is at the heart of the bill,” Leadbeater said. “Assisted dying is not for everyone and nor should it be. But for those who do make that choice, the bill that MPs will be debating again in less that two weeks, contains even more protections and is more effective and workable than it was before.”

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Source: The Guardian, 5 May 2025