A recent poll has shown that nearly seven out of ten people support the idea of establishing a commission to examine end-of-life care in the UK before a decision is made on assisted dying. This news comes as former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has expressed his support for such a commission to address issues surrounding palliative care in the UK.
The discussion around assisted dying is gaining momentum as Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s bill on the matter is set to be debated in parliament. Leadbeater has emphasized that her bill includes stringent safeguards to prevent abuse and is limited to terminally ill individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. The bill also requires approval from two doctors and a judge before any requests can be granted.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has already indicated his opposition to the bill, citing concerns about the quality of end-of-life care in the NHS. Additionally, Paralympic gold medalist and member of the Lords, Tanni Grey-Thompson, has raised issues regarding potential loopholes in the bill that could be exploited by family members or doctors.
Despite these concerns, the public sentiment seems to lean towards establishing a commission to further explore end-of-life care options before making a final decision on assisted dying. A recent survey conducted by polling company Focaldata revealed that 69% of respondents supported the idea of a commission, with only 15% opposing it.
Dr. Gordon Macdonald, the chief executive of Care Not Killing, an organization against assisted dying, highlighted the importance of focusing on fixing the UK’s healthcare and social care systems. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the complexities of end-of-life care, suggesting that a royal commission may be the appropriate forum for such discussions.
Overall, the call for a commission to delve into the intricacies of end-of-life care reflects a growing awareness of the need for comprehensive and compassionate solutions in this critical area of healthcare. As the debate on assisted dying continues, it is essential to consider the broader implications and potential consequences of any legislative decisions.
