Assisted dying bill looking unrealistic

[mids2019]

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/25/assisted-dying-law-thrown-into-doubt-as-plans-for-rollout-delayed-by-two-years

I never thought this was going to happen especially with a private members bill on such a profound law. The introduction of the bill did spark debate but it looks like the complexity of the bill and the strength of opposition will mean ultimately the bill will die.

I think if it ever was going to succeed you needed wide ranging parliamentary discussion with full givernemtnsupport.

I’d like it to pass, I don’t think it will. Perhaps one day, hopefully by the time I need it fingers crossed.
My MP won’t support it due to religious reasons, of all the reasons that must be the most stupid. I’ll say no, because I believe in something I have no evidence of - sound. 👍🏼

Have you been following the committee stage? It's been an absolute shambles, with Leadbetter and others trying to keep vital organisations such as RCP from being heard. Such an important issue could not be in worse hands.

good.

Infuriating. I had hopes we'd get to logic and compassion and allow people in agony to die free from pain. I am so angry that religious people who believe in something I firmly do not, decide what will happen to me and others who don't share that belief in something based on woo.

So back to plan A, which is switzerland if I can get there or some horrible method of self harm if I can't.

There are far more compelling reasons than religion to objecting to assisted dying.

Assisted dying is the road to eugenics. At the moment the proposal is to allow it only for terminally ill patients who have less than six months to live. Except that has already been watered down so that a court doesn’t have to sign off on it because there’s not enough time.

On these threads we already have people talking about when assisted dying is widened to include the mentally ill and those with dementia. Regardless of whether dementia patients have capacity.

In Canada assisted dying has gone from terminal illness to people with mental health issues, disabilities and the homeless being urged to opt for assisted dying rather than to request help.

In Belgium patients with dementia who sign up for assisted dying early on are restrained so they can be murdered. And yes. If someone lacks capacity at the time the act is carried out then it is murder.

In the Netherlands there are cases where married couples choose to die together which are regularly stopped because one person has coerced the other into following.

Then there is the fact that people will be coerced into choosing assisted dying by families, partners, people who don’t have their best interests at heart.

And people will feel obligated to do it if it’s a viable option.

I totally understand why people want assisted dying, I absolutely would want to end it in certain circumstances. But it just can’t be viewed in black and white and said that people who don’t want it lack compassion. There are very valid reasons why assisted dying shouldn’t be allowed, just as much as there are that it should. And all of those need to be taken into account.

This bill clearly hasn’t been debated properly and has been pushed through without consideration to all the facts.

@TryForSpring No I haven’t, would just anger me!
It won’t get passed but I think it will get pushed through at some point, fingers crossed!

You aren’t concerned that any legislation to enable assisted dying has to be very carefully written, after taking into account vital medical, legal and social factors? Any of which could allow the law’s abuse or mean a desperately wanted planned death cannot go ahead.

If you are happy for it to go ahead without serious expert scrutiny then you’d probably be very comfortable with what’s been happening under Leadbeater’s committee. But It’s an absolute disaster for anyone wanting careful, watertight legislation.

Brilliant post @Never2many

@TryForSpring I don’t think many people would understand complex legislation. I may take a look as you’ve peaked my curiosity.

I’m in favour of assisted dying, everyone should get to put in place a procedure for what happens to them, whilst fit and sound of mind. If I get dementia or cancer- I’m out of her either way. With the amount of red tape this bill will come attached with, I’ve no doubt even it was passed people will die waiting.

There will always be abuse, there are worse things that can happen to you than a pain free death. Being kept in your home, bed ridden and in agony so your family can financially abuse you for one.
There will be no watertight legislation- I don’t see how that could be achieved. Abuse is everywhere.

I think the six months to live part is ridiculous, my father was in awful pain, jaundiced, 7 stone, in hospital and the consultant told us it was “nothing sinister.”

Dead two weeks later - pancreatic cancer.

I’d be quite happy to sit down with someone now, go through all the legals and pay for my future death, but oh no, we can’t have that either can we! That would be far too easy.

I just think with such a complex sensitive debate with polarised opinions a few hours debate in parliament was never enough. Perhaps a referendum may have brought a mandate but I don't think this bill ever was going to be strong enough.

I agree and was appalled at the shambolic committee meetings.I don’t understand Leadbeater’s motive for trying to push it through without proper scrutiny and support from all sides. Was it naivety because she is a new elected MP so hasn’t got a clue how legislation works or some other reason because I found her/the committee's rejection of safeguards baffling. I’m on the fence about assisted dying but recognise many people want it. In any event, it clearly needs safeguards to protect the vulnerable in society. I think it needs to be completely rethought and a decent amount of time spent on debating it with input from all interested and relevant parties rather than cherry picking the ones that you think are going to back up your argument.

@Never2many - You’ve made excellent points.