The UK’s Assisted Dying Bill is due to be debated in parliament later on this month, and it is something many of us will have seen recently in the news. It has reignited the debate around individual autonomy, medical ethics, and the role of government in end-of-life care. The Bill would make terminally ill, mentally competent adults with six months or less to live, eligible to choose an assisted death.
Overview of the proposed Assisted Dying Bill
The Assisted Dying Bill proposes a controlled, and lawful system for assisted dying under very strict safeguards. Under the Bill, adults who are terminally ill, mentally capable and have a prognosis of six months or less to live would be able to apply for assistance in order to end their lives. The process would require approval from two independent doctors who would also be responsible for confirming the diagnosis, prognosis, and patient’s mental competence. Furthermore, a mandatory waiting period to ensure that the decision is well-considered and not made impulsively would be put in place.
For the time being, the law would only apply to patients residing in England and Wales, excluding Scotland and Northern Ireland. If passed, the bill would align the UK with other countries, such as Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, that all have a form of legalised assisted dying.
Arguments for the Bill
Advocates argue that assisted dying is the more compassionate choice and that it respects the autonomy of the terminally ill. Their arguments include:
- Respecting autonomy: Supporters argue that terminally ill people should have the right to choose the timing and manner of their death.
- Alleviating suffering: Assisted dying can relieve both physical or psychological suffering at a time when palliative care may be insufficient. While palliative care has made significant advances, it is unable to alleviate all forms of end-of-life suffering, particularly for patients with aggressive diseases like certain types of cancer.
- Regulated framework: Proponents of assisted dying emphasise that a controlled, regulated approach is a lot safer than forcing patients to travel abroad to a country such as Switzerland which has legalised assisted dying, or attempt dangerous methods themselves.
- Preventing trauma for families: By having an assisted death, a peaceful, planned process can reduce trauma for family and friends who may otherwise witness their loved ones endure a painful death.
Arguments against the Bill
Critics raise medical, ethical, and societal concerns, expressing concerns that legalisation could lead to unintended negative consequences. Common objections include:
- Potential for abuse: Critics raise concerns that the system could be abused and that pressure could be applied to vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly or disabled, to end their lives prematurely, possibly due to feeling like a “burden”, or other external pressures.
- Undermining palliative care: Some opponents argue that assisted dying could divert focus and resources from developing palliative care services, leading less investment in end-of-life support.
- Risk to medical ethics: The Hippocratic Oath and traditional medical ethics prioritize preserving life. Critics suggest that legalisation of assisted dying could alter the doctor-patient relationship, and potentially undermine trust in doctors.
- Moral and religious concerns: Further opposition comes from religious groups and other who believe in the intrinsic value of life. For them, human life is sacred and no one has the moral authority to end it intentionally.
Potential impact on society
If passed, the Assisted Dying Bill may lead to significant changes in how the UK handles end-of-life care. Including:
- Increased autonomy and choice in healthcare: Legalised assisted dying would represent a shift towards more patient-centred end-of-life care, and potentially encourage more open conversations about death and rights surrounding death.
- Improved palliative care: Legislation could also drive improvements in palliative care as governments respond to public calls for better end-of-life support.
- Broader societal dialogue: Passing the bill could initiate a larger conversation about how society values and supports its aging population, influencing social, cultural, and economic aspects of healthcare.
Current status and outlook
The bill is due to be debated and voted on 29th November. MPs will be given a free vote according to their own consciences rather than being made to vote in accordance with party lines. If it does pass, it will be scrutinised and potentially amended before going to back to votes in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Public opinion appears to show more support in favour of assisted dying in carefully regulated cases. MPs last voted on the legalisation of assisted dying in 2015 when it was rejected by 330 to 118. It is expected to be much closer this time.
Regardless of the outcome, this debate has the potential to shape the future of the UK’s end-of-life care policy, as it highlights the complex balance between individual freedom, societal responsibility, and the ethics of healthcare.
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