Across the world, countries are giving citizens more power over how they die, yet here in Westminster, we haven’t debated the topic on the floor of the House of Commons in the main debating chamber since 2015.

Elsewhere in the British Isles there have been movements towards legislating to legalise assisted dying and enable individuals with terminal prognoses to take control of the end of their lives. Assisted dying is a controversial issue for many reasons, but to allow assisted dying for those with terminal illnesses, who are capable of making such a decision about the end of their life is, for me, the right thing to do.

Many people die in pain and without dignity, leaving their families with terrible lasting memories. Some argue that almost all pain can be dealt with in palliative care, but this is not wholly correct, and doesn’t account for the emotional suffering and indignity that patients face too. For those who want to take control of the end of their life, they often feel they have little choice but to make an attempt on their own lives.

Some 300 to 650 dying people end their own lives in the UK every year, with up to 6,500 more making an attempt on their own life.  This is incredibly dangerous and can leave individuals with more pain and suffering than they had before. And we should not forget the impact this has on those left behind.

Assisting suicide is currently a criminal offence under Section 2 of the Suicide Act 1961 for which the maximum penalty is 14 years’ imprisonment.

Those making an attempt on their own lives are forced to do so alone, rather than having a dignified death surrounded by those they love.

This places a huge strain on families if they want to help their dying relative to end their suffering. Some choose to visit countries where assisted dying is legal, but that is not an option for all, is definitely not dignified from what I have heard from those who have shared their experiences of this with me. Worse it means decisions have to be taken very early while clarity of mind and physical capacity to travel remain.

One of the main arguments against assisted dying is the impact it could have on people with disabilities- that safeguards will fail, and that there will be a ‘slippery slope’ from apparently rigorous protections to loose and harmful practices to the detriment of those with disabilities.

In reality, a very small proportion of disability rights organisations explicitly oppose assisted dying. Additionally, polling suggests strong support for assisted dying laws amongst people with disabilities, at roughly the same level as in the general population. Therefore, arguing against assisted dying on behalf of those with disabilities may, in fact, be disrespectfully disregarding and misrepresenting their views. Studies based in countries where assisted dying is legalised, show no heightened risk for those with disabilities.

The Assisted Dying Bill, which began as a Private Members Bill in the Lords in 2021, stalled and failed to complete its passage through the House before Parliament prorogued, ending any hope of it reaching the House of Commons never mind the statute book.

The Government have said that it is not their place to create policy on this issue. Yet, as this example shows, Private Members Bills rely on Government support to succeed. Without Government allowing a debate in the House of Commons on legislation to remove the barriers to assisted dying, Government has effectively created policy - and that policy is not to support assisted dying.

The topic was most recently debated in Westminster Hall this year following a petition that called for a fresh look at assisted dying. There was widespread support from those MPs who spoke.  Attitudes have changed. That debate, and that vote on legislation to remove the barriers to assisted suicide must now be had.

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