Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2026: equality impact assessment

[IwantToRetire]

There is a discussion thread about this Bill coming back to the HoC on friday https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womensrights/5574774-2nd-reading-of-assisted-dying-bill-11-september-2026

But thought (having found this by accident) that some might be interested to go through how Government departments have carried out an "equality impact assessment" of the proposed Bill.

It is quite long and I find it hard to follow because of the language.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/terminally-ill-adults-end-of-life-bill-2026-equality-impact-assessment/terminally-ill-adults-end-of-life-bill-2026-equality-impact-assessment-html-version

My scanning of this equality assessment is that it is mainly focused on ensuring that everyone can access AD, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, age, religion or economic ability to pay. It has a few paragraphs talking about things like coercion and other things that might adversely influence someone's decision to request AD, but the main focus of this seems to be equal access. Which is disappointing.

Yes that is disappointing - to put it mildly.

Not only were women raising the issue of vulnerable women during the original debates, but also that many from minority groups could find they didn't have the status to have their views listened to.

So just a tick box exercise. Marking their own home work.

I sort of assumed it would in all instances at least have regard for the interaction of the Bill's intent and the protected characteristics, eg the disabled.

Really important to realise that the Bill is being brought back without any amendments deliberately because if it is passed in the HoC then the HoL will be able to discuss but NOT make any amendments.

Its something call the Parliament Act.

And if passed on friday could be law within a year.

MPs vote against fresh attempt to legalise assisted dying

Following a debate in which both sides made emotional speeches, the House of Commons voted 286 to 270, majority 16, against the proposed legislation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c17j91jenr8o