The private member's Bill to legalise euthanasiahad its second reading in the House of Lords last week.
But Law Lords voted against the bill, which would have legalised assisted death.
"This is an extremely difficult area where law and morality overlap," said public law specialist, solicitor Muiris Lyons.
"It raises a number of significant issues and in particular highlights the potential conflict between the sanctity of life and the inviolability of our fundamental human right to life, and the importance of being able to manage ones life, and to die with dignity if one so chooses."
"It is plain that the debate will continue. It will be interesting to see how the debate develops while we await the next stage of the legislative process in six months time," said Muiris.
Lord Joffe said he would re-introduce his bill at a later date. The Lords' vote backed an amendment to delay it for six months.
Background
Author of the Bill is Lord Joffe a former human rights lawyer
It was revised in October 2005 to advocate assisted death, whereby a doctor can prepare a lethal dose of medication which the patient can administer themselves.
The bill is intended to prevent unnecessary suffering, particularly in death.
In July 2005 the British Medical Association (BMA) dropped its long-held opposition to assisted dying, voting at its annual conference to adopt a neutral stance on the issue.
But last week the Royal College of GPs voted against backing the bill.
BackRelated news stories
- 08/08/2006: Right to life case - Leslie Burke's appeal is rejected by European Court of Human Rights
- 09/06/2006: Medical expert calls for legalisation of euthanasia
- 17/05/2006: Right to life case - Leslie Burke lodges appeal at European Court of Human Rights
- 30/01/2006: Right to treatment - 'champions' to have say over treatment
- 10/10/2005: Right-to-die debated in House of Lords
- 01/07/2005: BMA rules on right to life - right to die
- 20/06/2005: Doctors push for right to die law
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