Assisted Dying Bill passes second reading amid public outcry

The UK Assisted Dying Bill clears its second reading, igniting debates on exploitation, autonomy, and the sanctity of life

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Assisted Dying Bill, a contentious proposal to legalise assisted suicide, passed its second reading in the House of Commons on 30th November 2024.

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The development has drawn widespread attention, sparking heated debates over its potential impact on vulnerable individuals and the ethical dilemmas surrounding end-of-life care.

Assisted suicide, also known as physician-assisted suicide (PAS) or medical aid in dying, involves providing terminally ill or severely suffering individuals with medication to voluntarily end their lives. While supporters of the bill argue it offers dignity and autonomy, critics fear it may lead to exploitation, especially of the elderly and disabled.

The passage of the bill has alarmed disability rights activists, healthcare professionals, and members of the public. Many worry that the legislation could open the door to abuse and the involuntary loss of life.

Dr Calum Miller, a medical doctor and disability rights advocate, expressed his apprehension, saying:

“I am a doctor and I have a disability. I am telling you without a shadow of a doubt: Doctors do NOT have the time or understanding to protect disabled people from assisted suicide. Doctors will be killing vulnerable disabled people if this bill passes.”

Social media has become a battleground for opinions. Samantha Smith highlighted cases from countries with similar laws, such as the Netherlands and Canada.

“Assisted suicide isn’t only done ‘when the patient wants it.’ In the Netherlands, 40% of euthanasia deaths occur without patient consent. In Canada, it has been offered to Paralympians who asked for a mobility aid. People WILL be killed against their will if this bill passes,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Caroline Farrow, a UK-based farmer, described scenes of despair outside Parliament, stating:

“People in wheelchairs openly weeping here outside of Parliament. The atmosphere is one of profound sadness and terror. A dark cloud has descended over the UK. #AssistedDyingBill.”

Labour MP Florence Eshalomi, in an impassioned speech, criticised the Assisted Dying Bill for its potential to devalue human life.

She argued that more effort should be directed towards improving palliative care and supporting vulnerable individuals.

“As a society, we risk pushing people to an early death,” Eshalomi said. “We should be helping people to live before we think about making it easier for them to die.”

Born Florence Nosegbe in Birmingham, Eshalomi is the daughter of Anthony Nosegbe and of Nigerian descent.

She is a lifelong Brixton resident and the eldest of three girls from a single parent family. Her mother, the late Maria Da-Silva, worked as a school teacher until her illness forced her to retire early.

Florence supported her mother, who suffered from sickle cell anaemia and kidney failure, as her carer.

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Labour MP Florence Eshalomi, in an impassioned speech, criticised the Assisted Dying Bill for its potential to devalue human life. She argued that more effort should be directed towards improving palliative care and supporting vulnerable individuals. “As a society, we risk pushing people to an early death,” Eshalomi said. “We should be helping people to live before we think about making it easier for them to die.” #goviral #foryoupage #fypシ゚ #fypp #fyp

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Labour Councillor Mohammad Saifur Rahman Chowdhury shared Eshalomi’s concerns, emphasising the need for better care for the elderly.

“The Assisted Dying Bill in the UK threatens the sanctity of life. Our elderly and sick deserve improved care, not the option of assisted death. Life must always be valued.”

While opposition to the bill is vocal, proponents, including Humanists UK, argue it provides a compassionate choice for those suffering intolerably.

“We’re here outside the Houses of Parliament at a packed rally in support of assisted dying. We’re urging MPs to vote in favour of the Bill and give individuals choice, compassion, and autonomy at the end of their lives,” a spokesperson said during a rally.

Supporters believe the bill prioritises dignity and respect for personal autonomy, enabling individuals to make their own choices about their end-of-life care.

The UK’s debate has drawn international attention, with concerns that such legislation could inspire similar laws in other countries.

In Nigeria, suicide remains a crime under Section 327 of the Criminal Code, punishable by up to one year in prison.

Some Nigerians fear that if the UK legalises assisted dying, it might influence Nigerian lawmakers, who often mirror Western policies. Others, however, believe Nigeria is far from adopting such measures.

A UK-based Nigerian, Wole Adetunji aka Ade Bronco, informed Freelanews.com that before such could be considered in Nigeria, there must be a major overhauling of the health sector.

“As for Nigeria… we are light years away from that kind of bill! We can’t even confirm proof of death in a common autopsy. How many times have you heard someone died ‘after a brief illness’? We aren’t ready for that until we improve our health sector.”

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As the Assisted Dying Bill moves through further legislative hurdles, the UK faces an ethical dilemma. Advocates champion autonomy and compassion, while critics warn of exploitation and devaluation of life.