The UK Parliament is poised to vote on a bill allowing terminally ill adults to seek assisted dying. The debate pits compassion for the dying against concerns about potential abuse and societal impact, with prominent figures on both sides weighing in.
Julie Casson, the widow of a man who chose assisted dying in Switzerland due to his debilitating motor neurone disease, is campaigning for a change in UK law. She is sending her book, ‘Die Smiling,’ detailing her husband’s journey, to every MP ahead of a crucial vote on assisted dying.
UK Labour leader Keir Starmer faces growing pressure to deliver on his promise of allowing a parliamentary vote on legalizing assisted dying. A bill is being introduced in the House of Lords, with supporters hopeful for a favorable outcome. However, the bill’s future in the House of Commons remains uncertain, with concerns about potential delays from Starmer. Meanwhile, the Isle of Man legislature has passed a bill allowing assisted dying for terminally ill residents.
Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, has changed his stance on assisted dying, now supporting calls for law reform to allow terminally ill people to request medical assistance to die with dignity. His shift in perspective was prompted by witnessing the suffering of individuals in their final days. While the Church of England remains opposed, Lord Carey believes that the law has failed those in need of mercy and that it is compassionately necessary to address their pleas for peace and dignity at the end of their lives.
Frank Field, a former Labour minister and assisted dying advocate, has passed away at the age of 81. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was told he had just weeks to live in 2021. Despite being put into hospice, Field later recovered and became a vocal supporter of assisted dying. He died surrounded by loved ones on an undisclosed date.
Dame Esther Rantzen, the 83-year-old founder of Childline, has announced that she will not be able to attend the Westminster debate on assisted dying due to her stage four lung cancer diagnosis. Despite her desire to be present, she explained that health issues prevent her from doing so. Rantzen has been considering traveling to Dignitas in Switzerland for an assisted death but has expressed concern over the legal consequences her family could face under current laws. She emphasized that the decision should be hers, as it is her life, and that she supports the majority view that assisted dying should be a personal choice. The upcoming debate marks the first time MPs will discuss the issue in nearly two years, following the publication of legislation in Scotland to introduce assisted dying for terminally ill individuals.
Dame Esther Rantzen, an 83-year-old campaigner and veteran broadcaster, has withdrawn from attending a Westminster debate on assisted dying due to illness. She is currently battling stage four lung cancer and has expressed the possibility of traveling to Switzerland for an assisted death. The debate, scheduled for April 29, will explore a topic that is highly relevant to constituents nationwide. Dame Esther emphasized that while she is unable to attend, she will closely follow the proceedings as it pertains to her personal decision regarding seeking assisted dying at Dignitas in Zurich. This decision was motivated by her desire to shield her family from witnessing a painful demise. The debate on assisted dying marks the first of its kind in almost two years, prompted by a petition backed by Dame Esther, Dignity in Dying, and the Daily Express, which garnered over 200,000 signatures.
