On Friday 29th November MPs will have the opportunity to vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life Bill). I want to explain my position to constituents.
This is an emotive and complex issue and there are strongly held views on both sides of the debate. I have been taking time to consider closely the evidence and consulting with experts before deciding how I would vote.
I have also been listening carefully to the views expressed by my constituents and I want to thank everyone who has got in touch, many of whom have shared heartbreaking stories of loss and unbearable suffering.
This has been a very difficult decision, but I have decided that I will be voting for the Bill on Friday. I want to set out my reasoning.
Firstly, the principle – I believe that terminally ill people, subject to safeguards, should have choice at the end of their lives and control over the manner and timing of their death. It is clear to me that the current legal situation is failing people. It is a two-track system where those who can afford it can travel overseas, usually alone to avoid putting their loved ones at risk of prosecution. In contrast, some people with terminal illnesses for whom palliative care is not enough have to endure intolerable suffering.
Secondly, as I have said before it is vital that any legislation has robust safeguards in place. The Bill is tightly defined and I believe that there are strong safeguards in place. It would give the choice to be provided with assistance to end their own life to adults with a terminal illness who are mentally competent and have less than six months to live. This is a Bill that only applies to people who are already dying. Two doctors must confirm that the person meets all the criteria and is making an informed, settled decision, free from coercion, before an application is considered by the High Court. The Bill would also introduce a criminal offence of coercion in cases of assisted dying.
It is important to underline that supporting the Bill on Friday at its second reading will progress to the next stage. This will enable further debate and scrutiny at subsequent stages, both in the House of Commons and House of Lords and the Bill will be subject to amendment before being voted on again. Friday’s vote is not the end of the discussion.
Let me be clear, we must also have high quality palliative and end of life care. As Members of Parliament, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to ensure that everyone can access high quality care at the end of life. I welcome the focus on palliative care as part of a long overdue debate about the choices offered to people towards the end of their lives and I will fight to improve it including support for our hospices. This cannot be either/or – I want the very best possible choice for everyone.
I appreciate that some constituents will disagree with my decision, but I believe that reform of the existing law is long overdue and that we need to act to ensure that nobody dying from a terminal illness is forced to suffer against their wishes and has choice at the end of their lives.
I welcome the respectful and compassionate way in which this discussion has taken place so far. I will continue to listen and engage with different points of views if the Bill proceeds.
Kind regards,
Alice