Assisted dying divides Cornwall as some think it's 'humane'

Cornwall Live readers have been sharing their views on assisted dying after a music teacher who has terminal cancer publicly advocated for new legalisation. Nathaniel Dye, 38, bravely shared details of his battle with cancer at the launch of the Labour manifesto.

He is urging MPs to acknowledge the significant impact they could have by allowing individuals to make decisions about their own end-of-life choices.

Nathaniel, who suffers from stage four incurable bowel cancer, which has spread to his liver, lungs, and brain, argues that granting those with terminal conditions the choice of assisted dying represents the "kind" and "compassionate" approach. His call comes as the full release of a bill set to legalise assisted dying is expected on Tuesday, with the initial vote scheduled for November 29.

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Leading the charge on the impending assisted dying bill, MP Kim Leadbeater is steering a course that may soon offer terminally ill adults, with less than six months to live, the option to expedite their death. The proposed legislation aims to include stringent safety protocols, necessitating confirmation of mental capacity, plus the approval of two doctors and a judge for each request to proceed.

Significant backing for the bill comes from a contingent of seven current and former nurses. In unison, they're advocating for MPs to get behind the proposal. A group of medical professionals, including palliative care specialists and nurses, have expressed their support for the proposal through a letter via Dignity in Dying, stating: "We are joined by a single wish - all of us want choice."

In contrast, Dr Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of Care Not Killing, has urged MPs to reject the bill, highlighting the effectiveness of the current law and potential risks. He expressed concerns about the bill's rapid progress and the existing shortcomings in the UK's palliative care system.

Commenter Baggyboatee believes: "For very exceptional cases, yes. Just get the feeling it would get misused as some opportunist would find a way around the rules."

Rabidurko agrees: “It would be misused in the future somewhere and once the bill is passed, there is no going back. Like anything that's passed, it all has 'strict legislation' in place for a while until someone finds loopholes in it and it gets abused, its a slippery slope, if this is passed how do we know it will open the door for just someone with an illness in the future to be coerced. Those who say yes are only thinking of this point in time. Mark my words if this bill gets passed I'll give it a year before we hear of a case where it gets abused, EVEN with 'strict controls' in place.”

Pohenegamook replies: “No going back, eh? Must be a figment of my imagination that laws get repealed then!”

Me22222 says: “No real opinion on it either way, but it does seem hypocritical that if an animal is involved it is considered the 'humane' thing to do.”

Barmytimes24 agrees: “Only you yourself know how you feel, if I had a terminal illness or condition where I couldn't live a life/look after myself then I agree 100 per cent that you should have the right to choose. I personally feel it's beyond cruel to keep a loved one who is suffering 24/7 alive against their will, when they could choose to legally RIP/say goodbye.”

Rabidurko points out: “It isn't the person who would be wanting to die that is the problem with this bill, it's the rest of society that would abuse it if passed in the future.”

Lou70 replies: “For those saying this would be misused in the future, Holland and Switzerland have never had this problem where euthanasia is legal.”

How do you feel about assisted dying? Do we owe it to those who are suffering? Have your say in our comments section.