MPs have finished the Report Stage debate of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, as well as voting on various amendments. More such votes are expected to follow ahead of a crunch Third Reading vote next Friday. During today’s debate, MPs voted in favour of several changes that strengthen the safeguards in the Bill, including a restriction on advertising, and rejected others that would have unreasonably prevented patients from accessing assisted deaths.
MPs ran out of time to vote on the amendments, however, so the remaining votes will be expected on Friday 20 June, ahead of Third Reading.
Supporters of assisted dying will gather at Parliament Square that day to call for a compassionate law.
Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:
‘MPs have continued the enormously difficult balance between creating a law that is strong and safe, with a system that works for dying people, giving them choice and compassion at the end of life. What is clear is that no-one should be forced to suffer, and the British public wants politicians to change the law on assisted dying.’
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, said:
‘We welcome today’s debate and votes as this important Bill continues to get extensive scrutiny. This Bill has now had more hours of debate than any of the Private Members’ Bill of its kind, and we know the public is also paying attention, the majority of whom will be desperately hoping the law is changed to allow dignified, safe assisted deaths.
‘Next Friday, I hope MPs stand up for compassion. Politicians should be emphasising that no-one should be compelled to endure unnecessary suffering at the end of life. We hope MPs remain committed to crafting a law that is robust and safe, yet deeply mindful of the experiences and dignity of those facing their final days.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaigner Nathan Stilwell at nathan@humanists.uk or phone 07456200033. (Media only)
Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision have people and their loved ones who would be affected by this change available for the press.
If you have been affected by the current assisted dying legislation, and want to use your story to support a change in the law, please email campaigns@humanists.uk.
Humanists defend the right of each individual to live by their own personal values, and the freedom to make decisions about their own life so long as this does not result in harm to others. Humanists do not share the attitudes to death and dying held by some religious believers, in particular that the manner and time of death are for a deity to decide, and that interference in the course of nature is unacceptable. We firmly uphold the right to life but we recognise that this right carries with it the right of each individual to make their own judgement about whether their life should be prolonged in the face of pointless suffering.
We recognise that any assisted dying law must contain strong safeguards and the international evidence from countries where assisted dying is legal shows that safeguards can be effective. We also believe that the choice of assisted dying should not be considered an alternative to palliative care, but should be offered together as in many other countries.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 130,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision are both members of the Assisted Dying Coalition, along with Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, and End of Life Choices Jersey.