United Kingdom

UK Lawmakers Vote Against Assisted Dying Bill

Is assisted dying a dying adult's right to end pointless suffering or often a false forced choice?

Published 1 day ago

UK Lawmakers Vote Against Assisted Dying Bill

Story

Above: Supporters of assisted dying gathered in Parliament Square in London, U.K. on Sept. 11. Image credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Nobody gets to decide how much pointless suffering a dying adult must endure — that call belongs to the person living it. Assisted dying laws abroad prove strong safeguards work, and this choice sits alongside good palliative care. Upholding the right to life has to include the right to decide when prolonging it serves no purpose. Competent adults must have that choice.

Janet Ellis on Humanists UK Dignity in Dying

Narrative B

Choice means nothing when the alternative doesn't exist, and for disabled people social care is depleted, accessible housing is scarce and palliative care is patchy. The government admits disabled people are more likely to feel a burden, which guts any claim that consent would be freely given. The Lords found the safeguards wanting, and those weaknesses still haven't been fixed.

Spectator (UK)Vatican News