BuDS, a user-led disability charity which advocates for disability rights, has called on Kim Leadbeater MP to withdraw her Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to allow the establishment of a Royal Commission or similar to look into all the issues around assisted suicide, to be followed by a Government Bill based on the Commission’s recommendations.
The charity has made this call because:
- The Parliamentary time available to a Private Members Bill is insufficient to allow a thorough, informed discussion of all the issues. The Second Reading debate for the Bill, which establishes whether Parliament agrees with the principle of assisted suicide, could be as short as two hours and cannot be longer than five hours.
- A timetabled Government Bill is the only, and best, way for Parliament to reach a measured view on this highly complex and emotional issue. This does not prevent a free vote.
- There has been no consultation with many groups directly affected by the legalisation of assisted suicide, especially disabled charities and disabled people themselves. The voice of those most affected by this change must be heard, and that can only be done by a Commission or Enquiry.
- Key evidence, such as basic numbers about the number of dying people who reasonably cannot be helped by better palliative care, is not yet available. A Commission or Enquiry can take expert evidence and commission research so that Parliament can take a properly informed decision.
- The debate around assisted dying has been driven so far by multimillion lobby groups, with well organised campaigns and resources far beyond those available to disability groups. There are valid alternative views and those views are not being heard due to the predominance in the media of the paid lobbyists for assisted suicide.
The charity hopes that a Royal Commission will help a national consensus to be built on this contentious issue.
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Post header image copyright Kim Leadbeater MP.