How Blackpool feels about assisted dying

Today I’m in Parliament for the second reading of an important piece of legislation – the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

Assisted dying is when a terminally ill adult of sound mind can legally seek assistance to end their life via medication, following the approval of two doctors. This is currently illegal across the UK.

Today is the first opportunity in almost ten years for parliament to thoroughly scrutinise this issue before coming to a final decision next year. I have been doing the research, considering all views, and will be listening carefully to the debate today. But I also wanted to thoroughly consider the views of my constituents.

Over 300 of you have so far answered my survey on the topic and generously shared not only your considered views, but your personal experiences too. 

One woman, whose mum is currently in hospital with kidney and heart failure, and waiting for a hospice bed, was one of the 56% of respondents to the survey who strongly support assisted dying. Her mother is of sound mind, knows she doesn’t have long left and has stated numerous times that she “just wants to go”. 

Another gentleman, who is a carrier of a rare cancer gene, described how he has watched his dad, two brothers and sister all die painfully. Tragically his daughter, at just 24, has now been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer and is fighting for her life. He has witnessed seemingly endless periods of suffering and believes assisted dying will reduce that. 

Many of those who oppose the bill told me that assisted dying doesn’t align with their faith. Others shared concerns over the potential for abuse and the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.

One woman described how, when a relative of hers had dementia, her daughter and son-in-law tried to isolate and control her. She feels that, had it been an option, her relative could have been coerced into ending her life. 

Safeguards and protections for situations such as this are at the heart of the legislation but should the bill pass second reading, there will be robust scrutiny of it in the coming months, in both the Commons and the Lords. Ultimately it will uphold the belief that, whatever choice people make, they should have access to the best possible end of life care.

While views on assisted dying are clearly very divided in my constituency, it is also clear that people in Blackpool South feel very strongly about it. I’m grateful to every single person who has taken the time to share their views with me. I have spent much of the week digesting and considering your generous responses and I will anonymously share some of them with you here too.

“I feel that it’s barbaric to force people to suffer. Wealthy people already have the right to die with dignity by going abroad. It is only the poor who are forced to suffer. The bill would provide equality.”

“This would would further stigmatise elderly, infirm and disabled people, who are already disadvantaged. Suicide should not be normalised in a caring society.”

“My mum was on end of life care to a point where we all agreed she had to die – there was no other option. However, she lasted for a week and a half longer than thought. I feel if assisted dying was allowed this could have helped not only my mum but me too… it affected me and made me ill myself. ”

“The elderly are already under attack, by government, agencies, media and youth. This bill would set a precedent that further threatens the elderly and disabled. My mother had dementia. She was well cared for to the natural end of her life, in spite of the efforts of my sister to isolate her and control her money.”

“I have concerns about this because of the potential for abuse and people feeling obliged to opt for assisted dying and being pressured into it. And the potential for monetary considerations – cost of care and treatment and the dangers of people who feel they’re a burden on others.”

“I had a relative in Australia where she chose assisted dying. The process supported her, the family and the medical team. It made logical sense and created a safe space for plans to be made and the grief process started in advance and had everything planned the way she wanted it.”

“As a retired district nurse I have been involved in the final stages of palliative care more times than I care to remember. I also nursed my own mum and dad at home dying from cancer. So many of the patients asked for something to end it. They were lucid at the time and in full control of their facilities…. Brutal is the only way I can describe my dad’s last days and although my mum’s illness was not as bad, she suffered. To be quite honest the way my father died left a lasting impact on my mental health. If I could have helped my dad end his suffering, which actually was torture, then I would with no second thoughts. The bill should be passed, unanimously.”

“Both my mother and husband died of cancer. Although they suffered they were treated with dignity and their lives were of great value. None of us felt we had the right to cut life short. I greatly fear the gradual loss of respect for life, no matter what condition the person is in, and that the slippery door to killing off those we deem of no value to the community or a financial drain on resources will soon begin.”

“The End of Life Bill may inevitably lead to those suffering with terminal illness feeling burdensome to friends and family. I understand that the Bill focuses on consent and autonomy but we all know this can be negatively influenced and abused by those with interest.”

“My sister has been in an awful nursing home for nearly 5 years with vascular dementia and is existing not living. She is frightened and lost! It breaks my heart. With the right provisos I would welcome this bill and would not be so fearful of my own ending. I am 75.”

Should the Bill pass its second reading today, there will be robust scrutiny of it in the coming months. You can continue to complete my survey here.