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Concern over ‘blank cheque’ for assisted suicide law

A MOVE by parliament to authorise “any expenditure” necessary under a future assisted suicide law has been criticised by campaigners.

Better Way has expressed concern about a motion allowing unspecified spending on the practice, whilst other vital support needs go unmet.

It was agreed by members of parliament this week due to Westminster conventions but criticised by MPs including Labour’s Antonia Bance.

Better Way described the move as “troubling” in a context where hospices are being forced to lay off staff, due to massive financial pressures.

It also notes planned cuts to disability benefits and warns that the barriers disabled people face could drive them towards assisted suicide.

Speaking on Friday, Dr Miro Griffiths, a Disability Studies Scholar at the University of Leeds and spokesman for Better Way, commented:

“The money resolution passed by MPs offers a blank cheque for spending on physician-assisted suicide if Kim Leadbeater’s Bill become law. This move came as crisis-hit hospices in the UK are having to lay off staff, and whilst the government is considering controversial benefits cuts. We find this situation troubling.

“A move to allow ‘any expenditure’ necessary on a system that facilitates people’s deaths whilst citizens lack proper access to palliative care and face potential cuts to state support is wholly misguided. It sends a message that the so-called ‘right to die’ is a greater priority than people being supported in life.”

Better Way has consistently warned that citizens would feel pressure to opt for assisted death due to societal inequalities. Dr Griffiths added:

“The government plans to cut disability benefits have drawn strong criticism from groups who fear that more disabled people will be plunged into poverty. This prospect, coupled with the severe challenges this community already face, raises the spectre of disabled people opting to die because they don’t have the help they need to live.

“Disabled people will be presented with ‘assisted dying’ as a choice but it will seem like a path that they have to go down due to the inequalities they face. MPs must ask if they are willing to countenance this outcome. We would urge them to note the opposition from every major Disabled People’s Organisation in the UK and oppose the Bill.”

About the motion

The motion passed by parliament (P7 of doc) stated that – for any Act resulting from the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – “it is expedient to authorise the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any expenditure incurred under or by virtue of the Act by the Secretary of State, and any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable under or by virtue of any other Act of money so provided.”

About Better Way

Better Way campaign opposes assisted suicide, sets out an alternative vision, and provides a platform for marginalised voices. The campaign is supported by experts in several fields including medicine, disability advocacy, and sociology.

Find out more: Website / Social media

Contact us: admin@betterwaycampaign.co.uk

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