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The debate surrounding assisted dying is splitting members of parliament as they consider a law to legalise the action. If the bill is passed, terminally ill people will be provided with the choice to end their lives, with the consideration being that they are expected to die within six months and that their choice has not been influenced by coercion. The private members’ bill put forwards by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has garnered criticism and support from political figures in both Labour and Conservative parties alike.
BBC News has painted two polarized perspectives on the matter, as the proposed law has raised questions about how terminally ill people could be protected and prevent coercion. Nik Ward, a man suffering from motor neurone disease, is against the bill, stating that individuals may choose an assisted death and forfeit the joys of more living, even if they become less able-bodied. However, Elise Burns, who lives with consistent pain caused by cancer, supports the proposed law and advocates for an individual’s choice.
Those opposing the bill question how people left vulnerable by life-threatening illnesses could be safeguarded without implicit coercion. Nik concedes there is a “very subtle but very insistent background noise” where people who feel like a burden to their loved ones might choose assisted dying for the sake of others. Although Nik acknowledges his privileged situation, where he is without constant pain, he worries about those who lack the same support. On the other hand, Elise contends that the bill would not pressure or coerce individuals into ending their lives, as the option would be available to those with only six months to live.
Elise, however, is uncertain if the bill will pass before she dies and has plans to use the assisted dying service offered by the Swiss firm Dignitas which requires a considerable amount of paperwork and high pricing. She is fortunate to afford the sum, and among other reasons, advocates for the proposed law, so terminally ill people can access assisted dying without the financial burden.
Ultimately, the proposed law has garnered both criticism and support and divided members of parliament. The full scope of how terminally ill people can be safeguarded against implicit coercion is still up for debate, and until then, the choice of assisted dying remains a sensitive issue
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