Health Secretary Wes Streeting has expressed concern that legalizing assisted dying could lead to vulnerable individuals feeling pressured or ‘guilt-tripped’ into ending their lives prematurely. Streeting’s comments come as MPs prepare to vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which aims to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales.
Streeting, who has previously spoken out about the inadequacy of current palliative care provisions, has told colleagues that he intends to vote against the bill when it is debated in the House of Commons on 29 November. If passed, the bill would allow terminally ill individuals the right to end their lives.
Discussing his concerns around assisted dying, Streeting argued that legalizing the practice could lead to people feeling that they are a burden on others, thus pressuring them to end their lives earlier than they would like. He has also reiterated his view that advances need to be made in current palliative care provisions in order to provide people with greater choice.
The subject of assisted dying has proven controversial in parliament, with MPs given a free vote on the matter. Labour MP Kim Leadbetter led the bill to the House of Commons, with MPs expected to vote according to their own convictions.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously welcomed the opportunity to vote on the subject, acknowledging the sensitive and emotive nature of the subject. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has already revealed that she intends to vote against the bill due to her personal belief in the value of human life
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
