The new Government has had a difficult opening act, despite a welcome focus on the NHS. One particular issue in healthcare has proven to be particularly divisive: assisted dying.
The backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has put forward a bill proposing that terminally ill adults nearing the end of their lives get the right to choose to shorten their deaths if they wish, to a decidedly mixed reception.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has already declared he will vote against changing the law on assisted dying, saying he did not believe the palliative care system was good enough to support assisted dying. Despite this, many MPs from the Government and the opposition are expected to vote in favour of the bill, which could see the UK adopt a similar system to Canada.
Proponents of the bill say argue that everyone has a right to a dignified death, and should be allowed to choose if they wish to keep living. Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said: ‘This is a historic opportunity for MPs to listen to the public mood and bring about real change for dying people and their families. The ban on assisted dying is forcing terminally ill people to suffer despite the best care, spend their life savings travelling to Switzerland, or take matters into their own hands at home, with relatives often left traumatised. Last night MPs of all parties gathered to hear directly from individuals and family members who have witnessed this devastation firsthand. Their message was crystal clear: the ban on assisted dying must end.’
Opponents say that the system is ripe with potential for abuses, and that resources and attention should be focused on improving palliative care in the UK instead. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has raised the alarm, saying that elderly people may feel compelled to end their life prematurely if the bill goes forward.
The bill will be read for a second time at the end of November. As nurses know, the safety and comfort of patients must be the primary consideration. Finding the balance between the two in a such a polarised debate will be a huge task for our elected representatives.
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