British MPs to vote on controversial end-of-life bill after heated public debate
New assisted-dying legislation faces crucial parliament vote this week‚ as doctors and public share real-life experiences. Bill would let terminally-ill patients in England and Wales request medical help to end their lives
British MPs prepare for a five-hour debate on Kim Leadbeaterʼs end-of-life bill this friday (which lets terminally-ill adults request medical help to die). The bill needs two doctors approval and high court judge ok before any action
The proposed rules would apply to patients who:
- Have less than 6 months to live
- Are mentally able to decide
- Live in England or Wales
- Can self-give the medicine
I am 102‚ not terminally ill or in pain - just bored out of my mind Why do other people think they know whats best for me
Many doctors dont support this idea: “It might make elderly patients feel like a burden and hurt doctor-patient trust“ says Dr J E Elias from Cambridge. But others think its needed - especially after seeing loved-ones suffer
Dr Tim Howard‚ who worked with medical tribunals points to Swiss law: “Theyʼve had similar rules for 80-plus years with no bad results“ Yet Professor John Keown from Georgetown warns about other places where rules got wider over time
A real-life story comes from Australia where Davina MacLachlan describes her husbands choice: “He died at home listening to music‚ with family near - it was peaceful and beautiful“ she writes (sharing her experience from earlier this year)
The bills practical side raises questions too - like how doctors will predict 6-month survival times Hon Ian MacGregor tells how his granddad lived 3 years after being given one weekend to live. Plus theres worry about medicine types and how long they take to work
