Assisted Dying Bill in the UK
The bill gives terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to seek assisted dying after approval from two doctors and a High Court judge.
The bill was passed after intense debates, with MPs voting according to their conscience rather than party lines.
The bill still needs further review and amendments by a Public Bill Committee before returning to Parliament for final approval.
Opposition to the Bill
The bill’s broad scope could lead to the elderly or disabled feeling pressured into ending their lives due to societal or familial expectations.
The "slippery slope" argument suggests that once assisted dying is allowed, the criteria for eligibility might widen, as seen in Canada, where laws expanded to include those with grievous medical conditions.
Some argue that the bill could undermine the sanctity of life, with philosophical and religious objections stating that life should not be ended prematurely, even in the face of suffering.
Support for the Bill
Supporters assert that the law is carefully crafted, only applying to adults who are competent to make decisions, suffering from a terminal illness, and have less than six months to live.
The bill includes multiple safeguards: two independent doctors must assess the patient's condition, and there is a 14-day reflection period before a decision is made.
The High Court must approve the decision, ensuring an additional layer of oversight and protecting against potential misuse.
Proponents argue that individuals facing unbearable pain should have the right to make decisions about ending their suffering with dignity.
Global Context and Human Rights
The debate on assisted dying has global significance, with countries like India having recognized limited rights to passive euthanasia and advance medical directives, as seen in the 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
In the Common Cause vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court affirmed the right to die with dignity as a fundamental part of individual liberty and privacy.
The importance of ensuring that assisted dying laws respect human rights, privacy, and personal autonomy is a key takeaway from the UK’s discussions.
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