I wanted to give my constituents an update on the Terminaly Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
This is an emotive and complex issue and there are strongly held views. In November last year, I voted for the Bill to progress to the next stages of scrutiny – you can read my full statement here –https://alicemacdonald.org/my-statement-on-the-assisted…/. Thank you once again to everyone who has contacted me to share your views and thoughts on this issue.
Since that vote, the Bill has gone through committee stage, where it has been examined line by line by MPs. More than 100 amendments were agreed. There is now an opportunity for all MPs to consider and debate the changes made by the committee at report stage, before a final vote on whether to approve the Bill (date to be confirmed). It would then be considered by the House of Lords.
I still 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. I am minded to continue to support the Bill as it progresses. But, as I said in my statement it is important that there are robust safeguards in place and I am continuing to engage with this debate, following the scrutiny process and listening to a range of views, expert opinions and experiences.
The proposed amendments to the Bill in committee included establishing a Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission and expert panels. This means, every application would now be scrutinised by a multi-disciplinary panel consisting of a senior lawyer, a consultant psychiatrist and a social worker. I have thought long and hard about this proposed change and I believe it is more comprehensive and ensures a broader range of expertise to assess each application. Another important change in committee was the introduction of specific training on mental capacity and on identifying domestic abuse, including coercive control and financial abuse for participating doctors. This is an additional measure which I welcome.
Last Friday the 16th May, report stage began in the House of Commons. This is when Members of Parliament debate different amendments put forward to the bill. It was important that I was in the House to participate in the debate.
There were votes on two amendments. I voted for New Clause 10 on ‘No obligation to provide assistance’. Under this amendment, no person, including any health or social care professional is under any duty to participate in the provision of assistance in accordance with the Act. I supported this amendment as it protects individuals who do not wish to participate in the provision of assistance which I believe should be a matter of personal choice. This was passed.
I voted against an amendment to this clause (10a) which would have meant that employers who had chosen not to participate in the provision of Assisted Dying could have stopped their employees from doing so. I believe personal choice is important and I was concerned this would affect individuals right to decide. The Government also raised concerns that this amendment was unworkable due to other obligations on professionals within the Bill.
In my view, it is important that assisted dying does not become an alternative to high-quality palliative and end of life care. I have therefore put my name to an important proposal – Amendment 21 in the name of Munira Wilson MP. This has the support of Marie Curie and organisations in the hospice and palliative care sector. It proposes that ‘an assessment of the availability, quality and distribution of appropriate health services to persons with palliative and end of life care needs should be made as part of the first report on implementation of the Act. This amendment alone does not guarantee improvements, but I believe it is critical to understand the availability of provision in order to ensure necessary action is taken.
The House is scheduled to discuss the Bill and further amendments to it on 13th June.
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 as the Bill proceeds and keep you updated as to my decisions.
Kind regards,
Alice