We are running an open discussion on assisted dying on Thursday 28th in Buckfastleigh. The Commons vote on the second reading is the following day.
It’s an emotive subject but an important one. First time MPs are voting on it in 9 years.
Who will be eligible for assisted dying under the new proposed law?
Adults with a terminal illness who are expected to die within six months will be eligible for an assisted death. The person must have the mental capacity to make a choice about the end of their life, and must express a “clear, settled and informed” wish, free from coercion or pressure. The bill excludes disability and mental illness as eligibility criteria.
If the bill is passed, only permanent residents of England and Wales registered with a GP for at least 12 months will be eligible.
What will the process be?
The person must make two separate declarations of their wishes, which must be signed and witnessed. They can change their mind at any time.
Two independent doctors must be satisfied the person is eligible, and if necessary consult a specialist or expert in mental capacity.
The application will then be heard by a high court judge. The assisted death cannot take place for a further 14 days unless the person’s death from illness is imminent.
The life-ending medication must be self-administered by the patient. It cannot be administered by a doctor or anyone else.
What about the risks of coercion or pressure?
Under the proposed legislation, it will be illegal to coerce or pressure someone to choose an assisted death, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
How does this bill compare with the law elsewhere?
The proposals most closely align with the law in Oregon, the US state that legalised assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults with a prognosis of six months or less in 1997. The Oregon law has not been extended beyond terminally ill adults.
The proposed legislation for England and Wales is significantly more restrictive than the law in the Netherlands, which allows people who have an incurable condition, face unbearable suffering and are mentally competent to choose voluntary euthanasia or assisted dying.
Kim Leadbeater, the proposer of the new bill, says it contains “the strictest protection and safeguard of any legislation anywhere in the world”.
Main arguments against the bill are about worries that dying people will be coerced into it, and religious ones about God’s will. It’s a difficult one for doctor’s and hospices. The BMA and Rowcroft are taking a neutral stance. Of course some will joke that we want it as funeral directors! But of course these are people on a road to dying so the overall difference to us is nil. We can take a neutral stance as a company, even though I am pro the bill from a personal point of view.
Event information:
Thursday 28th November
7.30pm – 9.30pm
all views will be welcomed and respected
MIC, CHAPEL STREET, BUCKFASTLEIGH
Maximum 25 people. Please book your place. Free.
Email: admin@heartandsoulfunerals.co.uk
