Complaint
This edition included a brief discussion on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. A listener complained it contained several inaccuracies about the scope and nature of the proposed legislation. The ECU considered whether the programme met the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵ ‘s editorial standards of accuracy.
Outcome
The ECU examined each of the points raised in turn but did not consider any raised the prospect of listeners being materially misled about the subject matter. The discussion was primarily focused on the ethical and policy questions surrounding assisted dying rather than the detailed scope of the Bill. Contrary to the impression formed by the complainant, however, listeners were given repeated and clear references to the requirement under the proposed legislation for mental capacity and informed consent. The programme also included other specifics about the Bill at that stage in the parliamentary process, including that those wishing to end their own life would have to administer whatever drug was involved themselves.
Not Upheld