MPs Challenge Parliamentary Process of Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Two Members of Parliament in the UK, Paul Waugh and James Frith, have voiced strong opposition to the parliamentary procedures surrounding the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. They are calling for an urgent reform of how private members’ bills are debated in Westminster, emphasizing the need for more thorough scrutiny of this perhaps transformative legislation.The final vote is scheduled for this Friday.

MPs Demand More Scrutiny of End of Life Bill

Waugh and Frith have jointly signed an open letter addressed to the Leader of the House, urging for extended debate time on what they consider “perhaps the most consequential piece of legislation that has appeared before the House in generations.” Their primary concern revolves around the speed and limited scope of the parliamentary review process.

If passed, the bill would permit terminally ill adults, with the approval of two doctors and a High Court judge, to request medical assistance to end their lives. According to a 2023 report by the Office for National Statistics, approximately 1% of all deaths in the UK are attributed to assisted dying in countries where it is legal ONS.

Did You Know? Switzerland, Canada, and several states in the US have legalized some form of assisted dying.

Concerns Over Bill’s Impact and Process

The MPs argue that the final draft will be voted on this Friday without MPs having had sufficient time to review the complete text. “This is not a normal Bill,” the letter asserts. “It alters the foundations of our NHS, the relationship between doctor and patient, and strips power away from Parliament, concentrating it in the hands of future Secretaries of State for Health.”

They highlight several specific issues with the process:

• Only 12 out of 133 tabled amendments were voted on during the report stage.
• A mere 14 percent of MPs have had the opportunity to speak on the Bill.
• some MPs who submitted amendments were not even given the chance to address them.

Despite the limited debate, the Bill has considerably expanded as its initial presentation in November. It now comprises 64 clauses and two schedules,making it more extensive than the Government’s Border Security,Asylum and Immigration Bill. According to the House of Commons Library,private members’ bills frequently enough face challenges in securing sufficient parliamentary time House of Commons Library.

New Clause 2, which passed last Friday with a substantial majority, has been described as a fundamental shift introduced late in the process, reflecting widespread unease within the House. The mps contend that this last-minute addition underscores the urgent need for adequate parliamentary time and scrutiny.

Pro Tip: Follow parliamentary debates live on the UK Parliament website to stay informed about the progress of the Bill.

Call for Government Intervention

“This is no longer about the abstract principle of assisted dying,” the MPs wriet. “The Bill before Parliament has created real concern with medical experts and charities.” They are urging the Government to consider the advice of medical professionals and voluntary organizations, many of whom have raised concerns about the Bill’s potential consequences for vulnerable individuals.

“The Private Member’s Bill process has shown itself to be a woefully inadequate vehicle for such a foundational change,” they argue, emphasizing that the Government must intervene to ensure proper consideration.

The letter concludes with a direct appeal to the Leader of the House: “Allocate more Parliamentary time to the scrutiny of this Bill, the valid concerns that Members have about its implementation, and the consequences it could have on vulnerable populations.”

Both James Frith & Paul Waugh voted against the Bill at Second Reading in November.

Key Concerns Summarized

What are the potential long-term effects of this bill? How might it change healthcare practices in the UK?

Do you think the concerns raised by the MPs are valid? Why or why not?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal or medical advice.Consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance.

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