One concern I did pick up from a news broadcast was the concern that 'assisted dying' will rapidly be taken over by the private sector. While this could stop the NHS being overwhelmed by the requirements and outworking of the legislation, I foresee profiteering.
No doubt some companies have been preparing for this new role for a while. The documented profiteering that took place from a 'standing start' during the pandemic should give us all pause for thought. I hope it will lead to a willingness to review safeguards.
–Pamela
There is no doubt in my mind that the bill is necessary for some people. I, for one, would hate to face a period of unbearable pain, with no hope of alleviation – let alone cure. The danger lies in the fact that some may abuse this and take the lives of people who do not have their mind in a sound condition. If these conditions can be avoided, then the bill is the right way to go forward.
–Bern
Maybe when I was younger and with less experience of life, sitting by the bedside of my dying father, I might have supported this bill.
Since then I have cared for my husband for two decades, after he was massively affected by two severe strokes. He had lost his speech and was not reliable in his use of "yes" or "no", especially with strangers.
On one admission to hospital, I had to fight with a ward sister after he was put on "nil by mouth" – first stage of the Liverpool Care Pathway (a care programme for patients in their final hours / days of life).
He was able to come home and live with his family for another thirteen years.
No doctor can reliably know whether a person will die within the next six months.
The decision to grant a right to die could now be granted by a panel of legal, medical, and social care experts, no qualifications stipulated.
The panel members would not have met the people about whom they would be making these decisions. We would not know who they were or who had appointed them. They could make their decision in private.
Anyone who is vulnerable or who has a family member who is vulnerable or who works with the vulnerable must be horrified by some of these proposals.
–Lesley
I haven't read the Bill but it seems not a lot of thought has been given to protections. What I would like to see is a proper choice – ie much improved and better funded palliative care so that assisted dying doesn't look like the only option.
Thank you for what you do.
–Dot
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