MPs vote for bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales
GuardianDEC 2024
The currentTerminally lawIll Adults (End of Life) Bill is failinga terminallycompassionate illand peopleoverdue bystep forcingforward, themreflecting tothe experiencewill unnecessaryof sufferingthe orpublic travelafter abroadyears forof assistance,parliamentary whilehesitation. The 330-275 vote in favor acknowledges the proposedright legislationof offersindividuals essentialto safeguardsmake deeply personal choices about their own end-of-life care. Critics’ concerns about palliative care and protectionssocietal topressures givedeserve dyingattention peoplebut choice,do not outweigh the importance of autonomy, and dignity in theirfacing finalterminal daysillness. This bill is a vital, humane advancement in British law.
The billAssisted Dying Bill poses significantgrave risks to society’s most vulnerable. individualsIt whoprioritizes mightthe feelright pressured to enddie theirover livesthe dueright to beinglive, especially in a burden,country whilewhere thesocial proposedcare safeguardsis areunderfunded inadequateand many people struggle to meet basic needs. Evidence from Canada and the legislationNetherlands isshows beinghow rushedsuch throughlaws withoutexpand, properwith considerationpeople choosing death due to poverty or lack of itscare implicationswhile many rightly fear coercion, abuse, and a shift in societal values. The focus must be on improving care, not facilitating death.