MP Patricia Hewitt has accused the director of public prosecutions of putting health and care professionals at greater risk of prosecution with his final guidance on the prosecution of assisted suicide, published last month.
In our story on the launch of the guidance we also flagged up the potential dangers for those dealing with clients near the end of life, who may be considering suicide as an option.
In a debate in the House of Commons Hewitt said: "Most worryingly of all, the new guidelines create a greater risk of prosecution for members of the medical and other caring professions."
Hewitt said only change in the law would provide clarity and that she believed this change will come.
In the meantime social care workers will be left with the ominous prospect of prosecution for encouraging or assisting suicide if their discussions with patients are deemed to have crossed the line.
Best to take director of public prosecutions Keir Starmer's advice and seek legal advice.
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