As you may have seen, I today voted against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in the House of Commons.
I took this difficult decision because I had multiple concerns about the framework put forward, particularly regarding the provision of adequate safeguards against coercion.
During the process of the Bill through the last Parliamentary session, I spent a great deal of time reviewing in detail the amendments made to the Bill in both Houses, analysing the impact assessment that was published, as well as listening to the views of constituents, reading briefings, and looking at the evidence on both sides.
My primary concern has always been that there were not adequate safeguards in place to protect people against coercion. I do not believe that the changes made during the passage of the Bill in the Commons last time strengthen the legislation in this area. In fact, I believe the removal the requirement for a High Court judge to approve requests raise serious questions about the protections in place. In addition, multiple definitions in the Bill have been left unclear, which I believe could open up any provision for assisted dying to abuse.
In addition, I have raised the significant risks for vulnerable people including those with learning disabilities. Members of my family have worked with adults with learning disabilities for decades and their experiences have very much informed my view in this matter.
I also know my own grandmother – towards the end of her life – always felt that she was a burden, no matter how many times we told her that the care we gave, and time we shared with her was because she was very much loved. I have concerns that without proper safeguards there are many people who would have been persuaded to end their lives so as to take away that perceived burden.
Finally, this Bill was only able to look at one choice for end of life provision, and I believe we need to improve all choices, including ensuring that palliative care services are improved.
I appreciate that many people will be disappointed by the result of today’s vote. It has been an incredibly divisive debate, but one that was conducted with dignity in Parliament today with everyone’s views respected.
Many thanks to all those constituents from all sides of this debate who took their time to share their views in such a constructive way.
Michelle Scrogham MP
Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness
