Following a historic vote in Parliament allowing terminally ill people the right to an assisted death, two individuals previously interviewed by the BBC have provided further comment. Elise Burns, who has continued to campaign for assisted dying since her breast cancer spread to her bones, described her feelings as “over the moon” and thanked those who had voted in favor of the change in the law. Another interviewee, Nik Ward, who has motor neurone disease, expressed his reservations and concerns that terminally ill people may be “vulnerable” to ending their lives early for what may appear to be “noble reasons”.
The ruling will allow those with life expectancies of six months or less to request assisted dying should two doctors and a judge approve of their request. The measure has been a topic of concern and contention for decades, with opponents arguing that terminally ill patients should be encouraged to enjoy better palliative care, which is the service provided during a patient’s final months and which can be given at home, in a hospice or hospital or care home. Proponents argue that terminally ill patients deserve the right to choose an assisted death instead of enduring prolonged suffering.
While the ruling marks a significant step for those advocating assisted dying, further rounds of voting would be needed before it comes into practice. The vote, however, opens up opportunities for wider discussions about a topic that has been taboo for a long time. The mood is buoyant among campaigners who now have hope for future progress on legislation that would allow those facing unbearable pain and suffering a choice over the nature of their death.
Elise Burns remarked how politicians discussed the issue respectfully, which encouraged people to discuss the topic more openly. However, both interviewees agreed that society would benefit from greater openness and honesty around death, which would make it possible for others to make the most of their remaining days with loved ones, rather than be forced to cut short their suffering
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