THE Downend area’s MPs have explained why they voted to support a bid to allow terminally ill people to be helped to end their own lives.
The controversial Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, better known as the Assisted Dying Bill, was introduced to Parliament by MP Kim Leadbeater to change the law so that adults who have been given six months or less to live can ask for and receive medication that would kill them if they chose to take it.
The bill has vehement supporters and opponents inside and outside Parliament.
Ms Leadbeater told the Commons that terminally ill people had died “screaming for assistance” because of uncontrollable pain, while fellow Labour MP Diane Abbott warned vulnerable people could be pressured into ending their lives because they “don’t want to be a burden”.
MPs were given a free vote on the bill, which means they were not told to vote on party lines.
It passed its second reading by 330 votes to 275, with MPs from the main parties voting in both lobbies according to their consciences.
Filton & Bradley Stoke MP Claire Hazelgrove, who represents Downend, Frenchay and Emersons Green, said: “Following deep consideration – including going through the Bill line-by-line, having a one-to-one meeting with Kim Leadbeater, considering a range of evidence and expertise, and listening to many local people with a range of views, beliefs and experiences – and as shutting down this important debate straight away didn’t feel right, I voted to support this Bill proceeding for further debate, scrutiny and consideration at ‘Committee Stage’.
“When an amended version of this Bill returns to the Commons, my final vote will come down to the specifics of the Bill and the strength of the safeguards in it.”
Bristol North East MP Damien Egan, who represents Staple Hill and Mangotsfield, said: “I get more emails and letters about assisted dying than any other subject, with very reasoned arguments made.
“Slightly more people who contact me are in favour, but I think it’s fair to say most people have questions or reservations.
“Whether it’s family or stories people have sent me, too many people have terrible deaths. For some, no amount of morphine can help make dying comfortable and ease their distress.
“But, fundamentally, for me, it’s a question of freedom, and at some point, you should give people the choice to make these personal decisions for themselves.”
The Bill includes a series of safeguards and requirements aimed at limiting those who would be given help to end their lives.
They include ensuring the person who asks for assistance is an adult, has the mental capacity to make the choice, and has made two separate declarations that they wish to die.
They must also have been assessed by two independent doctors as having made a voluntary, informed choice, having been shown alternative options, before a High Court judge decides whether they can be given the medication, which they must administer themselves.
The Bill must now go through a committee to examine it in detail before going back before MPs for a further vote.