MPs should reject ‘assisted dying’, given its unanswerable dangers, and instead focus on creating a better society, Better Way has said.
Speaking ahead of a Westminster Hall debate on the issue this afternoon, Dr Miro Griffiths, spokesman for Better Way, commented:
“It’s sad to see yet another debate on assisted suicide at Westminster. This practice has been debated at length at both Westminster and Holyrood and rejected due to overwhelming evidence of its dangers. Nothing has changed since past debates. ‘Assisted dying’ cannot be made ‘safe’. Its introduction overseas has led to awful injustices, and mission creep.
“’Assisted dying’ raises the spectre of vulnerable people choosing to die because of overt or covert pressure. Coercion is a huge danger, and people grappling with social isolation, poverty, healthcare inequality and a host of other issues will feel pressure to opt for an ‘assisted death’ due to an unjust lack of support. No amount of legal drafting could avoid this injustice.
“There’s also the threat of expansion. In Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands, previously narrow laws have become permissive. In US States, safeguards have been eroded. In Australia and New Zealand, rules are being challenged. If ‘assisted dying’ becomes a ‘right’, activists will claim that limiting access is discrimination and mount legal challenges.
“The only sure way to avoid abuses and future expansion is to keep the door to ‘assisted dying’ closed. There’s a better way forward, involving largescale investment in end-of-life care, greater suicide prevention, and better affirmation and inclusion of marginalised communities. We’d urge parliamentarians in every party to focus on this.”
ENDS
Notes for editors
Better Way opposes assisted suicide, sets out an alternative vision, and provides a platform for marginalised voices. Contact us: admin@betterwaycampaign.co.uk