MP backs assisted dying, and explains why

It’s been a real divisive debate up and down the country, but yesterday, MPs agreed to support the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which was also backed by Montgomeryshire MP, Steve Witherden.

By a 330-275 vote, the lawmakers have signalled their approval for the bill which will now undergo further scrutiny before it goes to a final vote.

The bill will allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life.

It has faced strong opposition, none more so than from former MP, Glyn Davies, who has this week been reminding people of his own opposition, but local MP Mr Witherden spoke in Parliament and last night in support of it, and wanted to explain his position to MyWelshpool readers.

He said: “At a pre-election hustings, I made it clear that I supported changes to the law to legalise assisted dying, provided I was satisfied that safeguards against any abuse would be enshrined in the new law.

“I am aware of the opposition to the legislation and understand fears, especially from some disabled people, those with mental health conditions and groups suffering from specific diseases. However, I believe the proposed legislation enshrines sufficient protections for such groups, ensuring their voices will not be marginalised.

“The bill is clear in defining terminal illness, which excludes mental health conditions and disabilities. Patients would be required to sign two witnessed declarations, receive approval from two doctors acting completely independently from each other, and then approval from the High Court. Finally, any medicine would legally have to be self-administered by the patient.

“These are all highly regulated stages and would ensure that only those over the age of 18 with a voluntary, clear, settled and informed wish to end their own life would be able to do so.

“It is neither civilised nor humane to prolong the suffering of a sound-minded person in the throes of a slow and painful death.

“I believe in the right of an individual, who finds themselves in such circumstances, to choose the time of their passing and that it is inappropriate for the state to take away their right to choose.”

In the second reading of the bill in the Chamber yesterday, Mr Witherden said: “Assisted dying is already occurring in unregulated ways with up to 650 terminally ill people taking their own lives each year, often in traumatic circumstances causing additional pain for their loved ones.

“This bill promotes freedom of choice at the end of life in a controlled and regulated manner. Does my honourable friend agree that legal assisted dying would provide essential safeguards where there currently are none?”