Opinion: Assisted dying debate is one that leaves me conflicted

As MPs gathered in the House of Commons on Friday to debate the second stage of the Assisted Dying Bill, I found myself torn. On the one hand, I am a staunch advocate for personal autonomy and the belief that, if someone is of sound mind, they should have the right to make decisions about their own body, including the decision to end their life. Yet, as I listened to the discussion, I couldn’t ignore the questions being raised about how we protect the vulnerable in such a profoundly sensitive issue.

Personal autonomy is at the heart of this debate. The idea that a terminally ill person can choose a peaceful, dignified end to their suffering is one that may sound appealing to many of us. But with that, there’s a real risk that some might feel coerced, either directly or indirectly into making this decision. If this legislation is passed, robust safeguards are essential to ensure that no one is pressured into choosing assisted dying out of a sense of duty or guilt.

We cannot ignore that our current palliative care system is underfunded. Without significant investment, we risk creating a system where people feel they must choose assisted dying not because they want to, but because they feel abandoned by the state. The introduction of euthanasia cannot become a cost-saving measure disguised as compassion, and any legislation which is passed must guarantee that assisted dying is a choice made freely and not out of desperation.

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Like countless others, I have watched loved ones battle terminal illnesses. Their final days were peaceful, but as I have reflected in recent weeks, I wonder if assisted dying had been an option, would they have chosen it and would I have supported them?

These are questions I don’t have answers for. However, when I imagine myself facing a terminal illness, enduring relentless pain with no hope of recovery, I think I would want the option to choose when and how I go. Yet, even with that personal belief, I recognise how complex this decision is. It’s not something anyone can truly understand until they’re in that position.

Another troubling aspect of this is the issue of access. Today, wealthier individuals in the UK can travel to countries like Switzerland or Belgium, where euthanasia is legal. But what about those who can’t afford to leave? Should we force the less fortunate to endure unbearable suffering simply because they lack the means to travel? This is a question of fairness, and if we pride ourselves on being a compassionate, just society, we need to address it head-on.

The risks of coercion and abuse are also real, but they are not insurmountable and other countries have shown that assisted dying can be implemented with strict eligibility criteria, thorough psychological evaluations, and multiple confirmations of consent.

Not all suffering can be alleviated, even with the best medical care. For some, assisted dying represents not a rejection of life, but one final act of dignity and a humane response to unmanageable pain. The right to die with dignity is not about diminishing life’s value, but about recognising the profound importance of choice and compassion at the end of it.

While this bill only applies to England and Wales, assisted dying will soon be legal in Jersey and the Isle of Man and Scottish politicians are set to vote on the issue next year at Holyrood. Before long, the issue of assisted dying will make it’s way to Stormont and our MLAs will have to decide if it is to be introduced here.

When this bill returns to Parliament next year, hopefully as a society we will have engaged in a thoughtful, compassionate conversation about what it truly means to respect life and the dignity of its end.

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