Cost of assisted dying has been underestimated – report
The Observer
|May 04, 2025
The true cost of an assisted dying regime in England and Wales may be far higher than “lowball” estimates included in the government's impact assessment, it has been claimed. The assessment of the private member’s bill, sponsored by the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, was published as local election results were being digested.
For the first time, a figure was put on the estimated number of applicants and the costs incurred - by the proposed legislation, which would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to apply for assisted death. The detailed study estimates between 273 and 1,311 people would apply in the first year, rising to between 1,737 and 7,598 by year 10, with two-thirds being approved.
This story is from the May 04, 2025 edition of The Observer.
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