Press Statement on Behalf of Eden Care UK

Release date: Wednesday 13th November 2024

Public Urged to Write to MPs to Oppose the Assisted Dying Bill Ahead of 29th November Second Reading

We urge the public to contact their Members of Parliament (MPs) to express opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill, scheduled for its second reading in Parliament on 29th November. This Bill, which proposes to legalise assisted dying for adults diagnosed with a terminal illness and deemed to have six months or less to live, presents significant ethical, social, and medical concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and those suffering from mental health challenges. It could also profoundly impact on the role of medical professionals in our society.

Experiences from countries that have legalised assisted dying, such as Canada and the Netherlands, highlight potential risks:

Canada
The Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) programme, initially intended for terminally ill patients, has expanded to include individuals with chronic and, in some cases, mental health conditions. This broadening has led to concerns among Canadian healthcare professionals about the pressure to participate in practices conflicting with their role as healers. Many report moral distress when involved in euthanasia procedures, fearing that vulnerable patients may not receive adequate care or alternative support.

The Netherlands
The country’s euthanasia laws have evolved from serving terminally ill patients to encompassing those with non-terminal conditions, including mental health issues. Notably, the eligibility criteria have been extended to individuals as young as 12 in certain cases. This expansion has altered the healthcare landscape, placing medical professionals in challenging positions regarding their duty to preserve life versus facilitating death.

The introduction of assisted dying legislation could significantly affect the doctor-patient relationship. Healthcare professionals may face ethical dilemmas, as such laws could conflict with the fundamental medical principle of “do no harm.” This shift risks eroding patient trust, particularly among vulnerable individuals who might fear that seeking care could lead to being offered death as a solution.

There are serious concerns that legalising assisted dying could place indirect pressure on elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those without strong support networks, who may feel that ending their lives is a “responsible” choice. Assisted dying legislation risks creating an environment where people feel a duty to die rather than a right to live with dignity and support. This is especially concerning in a healthcare system that already faces challenges in providing consistent, high-quality palliative care and mental health services.

We advocate for enhancing access to high-quality palliative care and mental health services, ensuring patients receive compassionate support and dignity in their final stages of life. This approach allows healthcare professionals to fulfil their ethical duties without compromising patient trust or facing pressure to provide end-of-life measures that may conflict with their professional values.

We call on all members of the public who believe in compassionate care and the integrity of our healthcare system to contact their MPs before 29th November.

Find Your Local MP
To find your local MP and their contact details, please visit the UK Parliament’s official website. Your voice can help prevent the far-reaching consequences this Bill could have for patients and medical professionals alike.