The Government’s impact assessments for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, published today, demonstrate that assisted dying can be delivered safely, ethically, and compassionately in England and Wales. Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision have welcomed the reports.
Coming two weeks before the Bill returns to the Commons for the next stage of legislative scrutiny, the impact reports outline the costs associated with the law and the impact on different groups, drawing from evidence in 25 other jurisdictions where assisted dying is already established.
Overall there are predicted to be cost savings for the state if the law does change – though the sums of at most tens of millions are negligible in the context of the £180 billion annual NHS spend. Regardless, the decision on whether to change the law should not be about economics, but on whether assisted dying is the right approach in principle.
Terminally ill people of sound mind who have a clear and settled wish to die are suffering enormously under the law as it stands, or else finding ways to end their lives without safeguards. This Bill will enable them to end their lives with appropriate safeguards through a proper legal framework.
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK said:
‘These impact assessments are part and parcel of the scrutiny process that effective legislation requires, adding another layer to a Bill that has already seen months of thorough debate in the House of Commons at committee stage in addition to its pre-legislative development. We’re pleased to see that the Government has done such a thorough job.
‘Assisted dying isn’t untested. Legislation is already working in over 31 jurisdictions across the world, where implementation in Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Europe has shown it to be safe, compassionate, and practical. It’s time for Parliament to grant people the dignity and autonomy they deserve at the end of life.’
Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision said:
‘These reports confirm what we have long known – that our current laws are failing dying people and that the current status quo is unacceptable. Every day we delay is another day someone is denied the choice to die with dignity, free from prolonged pain and suffering.
Assisted dying is not a fringe issue – it is a mainstream, compassionate cause backed by the majority of the public. These reports must be a catalyst for action. It’s time for Parliament to take a clear-eyed, humane look at how we care for those at the end of their lives.’
On 16 May, all MPs will have the opportunity to debate the Bill for the first time since it was strengthened considerably by its public bill committee. The impact assessments’ findings have shown that the Bill is feasible and workable, as well as overwhelmingly supported by UK citizens.
In March, the Isle of Man became the first jurisdiction in the UK and Crown dependencies to pass an assisted dying law following a historic vote. The Bill will make assisted dying available to adult Isle of Man residents who are of sound mind, are terminally ill, have twelve months or fewer to live, and have a clear and settled wish to die.
Notes:
Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request
For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.
Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
