An Examination of UK Laws: Abortion, Death Penalty, Assisted Dying

This report provides an overview of the legal frameworks surrounding abortion, the death penalty, and assisted dying in the UK. It begins by exploring the Abortion Act of 1967 and the Human Fertilization and Embryology Act of 1990, detailing the conditions under which abortions are legally performed, the role of medical professionals, and the considerations for patient well-being. The report then examines the abolition of the death penalty in 1965 and subsequent acts, such as the Human Rights Act and Crime and Disorder Act, which influence the legal implications of capital punishment. Finally, it delves into the laws concerning assisted dying, referencing the Suicide Act of 1961 and its implications for individuals assisting in end-of-life decisions. The report concludes by providing a summary of key legislations and their impact on healthcare and legal practices in the UK. The report is contributed by a student to be published on the website Desklib, a platform offering AI-based study tools.

LAWS RELATING TO
ABORTION, THE DEATH
PENALTY AND ASSISTED
DYING?

TABLE OF CONTENTS
LAWS RELATED TO ABORTION...............................................................................................1
DEATH PENALTY ........................................................................................................................1
ASSISTED DYING.........................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................2

LAWS RELATED TO ABORTION
There are certain laws persists within UK Healthcare system related to abortion. Abortion Act,
1967 which has described certain cases of termination that need to be followed. According to it,
more than 2 physicians must be ready to perform termination. All risks related to mothers'
physical and mental health must be focused during the act of abortion (Sheldon, 2016). It has
mentioned the fact that abortion must be conducted under registered clinical professionals.
According to Human Fertilization and Embryology Act of 1990 says that undergoing for
abortion will not be consider an offense, it has followed all terms and condition of Abortion Act.
DEATH PENALTY
Abolition of Death Penalty Act, 1965 passed by UK Parliament that removed death penalty
given to criminals within Britain. This penalty related to death was given for certain crimes that
included disloyalty, spying on someone without being permitted (Hood and Hoyle, 2015). Under
Human Rights Act and Crime and Disorder Act the criminals may sentenced to death penalty for
harassing any human, offending someone sexually and many other severe violent crimes.
ASSISTED DYING
It is an act of ending someone's life by continuously encouraging them or by the inclusion of
strong clinical medication, sedatives or procedures (Albert Jones, 2018). According to Suicide
Act, 1961, an individual who is helping another person for ending his or her life would be
imprisoned for 14 years. Furthermore, if an individual is ending his own life, it will not be
considered as crime.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Albert Jones, D., 2018. Assisted dying and suicide prevention. Journal of Disability & Religion,
pp.1-19.
Hood, R. and Hoyle, C., 2015. The death penalty: A worldwide perspective. OUP Oxford.
Sheldon, S., 2016. British abortion law: Speaking from the past to govern the future. The Modern
Law Review. 79(2). pp.283-316.
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