Assisted dying legislation has just been passed by the British House of Commons. The law still has a long way to go, but supporters of the regulations speak of relief and hope that the law will be changed. Assisted dying is a procedure in which a terminally ill patient self-administers a lethal agent. Medics only participate in preparations.
These are provisions about the most difficult moment in life, which is why, in addition to joy, there were also tears in front of the British Parliament when members of the House of Commons passed the Act on Assisted Dying.
– I saw the suffering of my partner, who was dying in screams and agony from bone cancer. For him and others, I must support this legislation. And also for myself. I have cancer. Also with bone metastases. And I'm afraid of how it might end for me, says Jenny Carruthers.
By a vote of 330 to 275, the provisions were sent for further work.
The divisions did not follow party lines
– I was amazed by the number of people who contacted me to tell me about their terminally ill loved ones who starved themselves to death out of desperation. It takes much longer than you can imagine and is terrifying for those around you. This is now legal and doctors have an obligation to help the patient through this agony. How can one accept this and not accept a compassionate and humane death? – asked Kim Leadbeater, the sponsor of the bill from the Labor Party, during the parliamentary debate.
Opponents argued that pressure could be put on the sick to hasten their death. They pointed out that palliative care should be improved and the health care system should be reformed.
– My daughter Maria has lived with serious disabilities and health problems since birth. We were told many times that she only had six months to live. She lived for 27 years. Maria didn't speak. I am filled with fear for people like my daughter. About people who do not speak and are not cared for or loved, said Mary Foy from the Labor Party during the debate.
During the more than four-hour debate, the divisions did not follow party lines. Labor Party politicians voted against the regulations, but, for example, Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister from the Conservative Party, voted in favor.
– I am a person who changed his mind. I believe in the sanctity of life, but I am also against torture and suffering at the end of life, which is why I intend to vote in favor and send the bill to the second reading, said David Davis from the Conservative Party in the House of Commons.
Two thirds of Britons support this solution
According to research, two thirds of Britons believe that assisted dying should be legal. Even some Christian clergy show support.
– I feel huge relief. There are so many people among us who hope that they may not have to suffer as their loved ones suffered in the past. This can only bring a positive result. I have the impression that the parliament finally listened to the will of the citizens – comments Fr. Valerie Plumb of the Church of England Diocese of Oxford.
He was charged with murder and spent two months in custody. The doctor from Gorzów returned to workMarek Nowicki/Fakty TVN
Opponents of the regulations also gathered in front of the parliament building.
– For me, as a Christian, this is simply murder. We read in the Scripture: you shall not kill. The fifth commandment is you shall not kill – said Maureen Martin, one of the opponents of the regulations – We need to fix social care, the health care system and palliative medicine. We cannot destroy the relationship between patients and doctors, echoed John Smith.
Assisted dying differs from euthanasia in that the patient administers the agent that causes death. Medics only participate in preparations for the procedure. British regulations impose a number of conditions.
Who qualifies for the procedure?
Only adults and terminally ill people who have no more than half a year left to live can have this option. The rules are only to apply in England and Wales and the patient must be under the care of a local GP for at least 12 months. Such a person must be intellectually capable of expressing a clear and unambiguous will, free from coercion and pressure. He must express this decision twice. The request is then verified by two independent doctors, after which the application will be submitted to the Supreme Court. After the court's decision, there must be a two-week period during which the patient can still change his mind. Any incitement to perform the procedure would be punishable by imprisonment.
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Draft bill on assisted dying BBC
– I have great respect for people who are against it, because there are probably reasons for it in their hearts. But it was always about choice. They still have it, and we will have it now, says Hilary Hare Duke.
The bill will be processed in parliamentary committees over the next few months. The regulations could come into force in two years.
– I could use the help of a foreign organization, but there is something very depressing about it – it is like dying in exile. I would be alone because, for legal reasons, my partner could not accompany me. I could take my own life here, but then I'd be condemning my parents to find me. What if I fail? These are the thoughts you face when you have multiple sclerosis, says Sophie Korevaar, a multiple sclerosis patient.
Assisted dying is possible in several countries around the world: Austria, New Zealand and Canada, where it accounts for four percent of deaths annually. Switzerland was the first to introduce such a possibility in 1942.
If you are experiencing emotional problems and would like advice or support, here you will find a list of organizations offering professional help. In a situation of immediate threat to life, call 997 or 112.
Main photo source: Reuters