The Bishop of Newcastle has been appointed to a House of Lords Select Committee set up to take evidence and report back on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Private Member's Bill, it has been announced.
Dr Helen-Ann Hartley will join the 13-member Committee, chaired by Lord Hope of Craighead, that will take evidence on the safeguards and procedures in the Bill.
As agreed by the House of Lords, the Committee will take evidence from professional bodies, people with professional experience of coroners’ services and Ministers.
The Committee is mandated to report back no later than November 7, with the Bill progressing to its next stage after the Committee has reported.
If approved by Parliament, the Bill would allow terminally ill people judged to have six months or less to live to request, and be provided with assistance to end their own lives.
Bishop Helen-Ann said: "It is important that a Bill that would usher in such a profound change in our society is given thorough scrutiny. I look forward to participating in the work of the Committee in hearing evidence that will inform the coming stages."