We have not yet had time to unpick the detail of the new government’s first budget.
As I write I do not know to what extent Labour is committed to fixing the problems left by the last administration, or if it is simply continuing on with business as usual.
Instead, I thought I would address one of the major pieces of legislation due to come before Parliament very soon: The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – commonly referred to as the Assisted Dying Bill.
First, I think it is important to deal with the facts of what this legislation proposes: there is a lot of misinformation both in the press and online.
As of today, the full text of the bill has not been published. Once it has, there will be time set aside to debate the legislation in Parliament and propose amendments, before any vote takes place.
The merits – or otherwise – of what the bill actually says, and not the hyperbole that surrounds it, is what matters.
What the MP proposing the bill has made very clear is that the change of law will only apply to adults who have a terminal prognosis, and have less than 12 months to live. They must also be cognitively healthy and therefore able to make an informed decision themselves.
It will not apply, blanket-like, to people living with a disability, mental health condition or long term/chronic pain, the elderly or anyone else – ONLY those with a terminal diagnosis, who have less than 12 months left to live, and are cognitively competent.
Importantly, it will require the agreement of two doctors and a judge before the patient’s decision can be agreed to.
The safeguarding mechanisms that the bill puts in place will, without doubt, influence how MPs vote.
No one will support a change in the law that risks anyone being forced or coerced into make a decision against their will.
While I will keep an open mind until the full details of bill are published, if it does achieve the high level of safeguards I wish to see, then I am currently minded to support a change in the law.
That said, I strongly believe we should be focused on dramatically improving assisted living (or palliative care) so that people do not have to endure pain and suffering, and can properly enjoy their final days with those they love and who love them.
Edward Morello MP
West Dorset
