Assisted Dying Bill tomorrow.

[TooBigForMyBoots]

I really hope this goes ahead.

I'm from a family who die from cancer. It's a genetic thing. Over the years I've watched numerous loved ones die from this cruel and ravaging disease. It has taken a massive toll on us. From PTSD to immense guilt, complicated grief and fear of the future.

Not all of my family would have accessed Assisted Dying, but I know some did want it and requested it in the weeks / days leading to their death. They should have had the option of shortening their suffering. Having witnessed what they went through, I want that option for myself.

I want it for my mother. For the past 20 years she has told me when she wants out and how I will have to help her achieve it. I don't want to. She apologises for putting it on me. She shouldn't have to.

No one will be saved if this Bill is stopped, but fear and suffering will be reduced.

The bill is proceeding to a 2nd reading. It has 'passed' the first hurdle, but it's probably about 1-2 years away from enactment, if that day ever arrives.

It still requires further readings and the laborious committee stage, where amendments will be tabled, debated, and voted on.

If posters want amendments to be tabled, now is a good time to engage their MPs.

you are in the majority as evidenced by the poll on this thread

but as usual the vocal minority make more noise

Do people really think that this suddenly became law today?! Jesus wept.

I’m delighted it’s passed the first stage. I see it much like abortion, if you don’t want to make use of it then fine, but it absolutely should be available to those who do. Obviously appropriate safeguards will need to be put in place to ensure it’s not abused, but on the whole I think it’s very good news.

Yes, most people are decent.

Like Prue Leith. I feel so sorry for her having a son like Danny Kruger. What a nasty person he is.

No need so sound so superior. Anyone who reads the bbc analysis knows that it means nothing, but it is a big step forward.

As a non-Labour supporter, thank you very much Labour.

If any of you are on Bluesky, Ian Dunt has been doing a superb job all day posting summaries of every speech, it's well worth a read. Sounds like it was an incredibly grown-up, respectful and moving debate.

He's an Evengelical Christian!

I can see both sides of the argument re assisted dying. I was v much for it until I watched the documentary by Liz Carr. She makes a compelling case against it, and I think some real safeguards need to be put in place so it's not abused.

I think it's reasonable to be concerned about this being a slippery slope, despite the safeguards. C.f. the de facto and de jure position on abortion for instance.

Might we find that in 60 years time that it's taken as given that anyone pursuing this avenue would otherwise be expected to commit suicide within six months and so should be eligible for this more humane option regardless? That the disabled and elderly have to justify their own existence? That to pray or dissuade someone from taking their life is socially unacceptable if not criminal?

I feel very torn because of course we should prevent unnecessary suffering but this could lead us down the path to a very inhumane society indeed. At the very least it seems like we should start by improving the state of palliative care.

So surely there should be a caveat if it does become law that doctors are not allowed to suggest it first? Does no one care about this issue? That potentially you are given a terminal diagnosis and handed a leaflet guilt tripping you into this? Or if you live in an under funded area without capacity to care for you up until your natural death, and this is suggested to you slightly more forcefully?

Cool.

You'll just die 'peacefully' mandated by the state.

Yey!

Yes, well, the Arch Bishop of Cantebury turned a blind eye to years of child abuse and was against assisted dying.

Just because he is religious, doesn't mean he is a decent person.

Even look at the tone on this thread. This is going to become the only socially acceptable choice

What is wrong with that.

Would you rather have a painful death, if so you are welcome to one.

Hopefully this will be addressed in the next stages

Because people are worried about how they are going to die if they can't afford Dignitas.

I can afford it and will be able to die when I want to, but most people cannot.

I care about these people.

Your response was nothing to do with what I said

That

Why do people have to go through the dying process if they're.. dying?
We would be prosecuted for letting a dog do that. The person is actively dying, they won't recover yet we can't just end it, they have to suffer through it?

I've already done a living will that I want no life extending or saving treatment if I am diagnosed with dementia. If I have a heart attack 3 weeks after a dementia diagnosis then let me die rather than go through that

Stop scaremongering. The status quo is terribly cruel, something had to change.

Those who don't choose this path will be treated in the same was as those on benefits....seen as selfish scroungers... using up precious NHS resources as they are just so selfish to want to live

I’m extremely relieved it’s passed the first stage. The ‘nays’ suggested there should be better end of life care instead. Why can there not be both? Is that an admission we could be doing better for the terminally ill? We know the answer to that one.

I very much hope not- and I’m in support of the bill. I hope it just gives choice, and peace, to some facing a not-good death.

It only applies to those with a terminal prognosis in their last six months of life.

It can't be applied eg to elderly people in care homes or hospitals unless they have a terminal prognosis.

So people won't be pushed to end their lives and if it does happen in a very few cases, their prognosis was very short anyway (and the doctors signing it off weren't vigilant enough).

For me, the Bill doesn't go far enough. If someone is in agony and not terminal, they have to put up with it. I think if you are in great pain, there shouldn't be a limit of six months.

How selfish... don't they know the NHS is on its knees ..why would you want to live...look at you taking up a precious NHS bed when you're going to die anyway. I'm fed up of my taxes paying to keep people who are going to die anyway....

This is our future ..

That documentary was terribly bias. I watched it and did not change my mind for one moment. Liz has a life she values. The MP they interview, she has a life she values. Many don't and what they try impose on others is utterly utterly cruel!

Where were all the interviews with family members who had to watch loved ones go to Dignitas or Pegasos. Where were the interviews with family members who lost loved ones to suicide in the most horrific ways. They don't show you these stories and they absolutely should.