Ex-MP Criticizes Assisted Suicide Bill for Lacking Necessary Safeguards

Concerns Rise Over Removal of Safeguards in Assisted Suicide Legislation

The debate over the proposed assisted suicide bill, introduced by Labour’s Kim Leadbeater, has intensified as a former Conservative MP has voiced significant concerns about the removal of key safeguards. The bill, which passed its second reading in November, initially promised that any decision to proceed with assisted suicide would require the approval of a High Court judge.

However, these assurances have been altered, raising alarm among critics who fear that vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and disabled, may face undue influence from family or medical professionals to pursue this option.

The bill has seen the elimination of the High Court judge approval requirement, and other proposed amendments aimed at enhancing protections were dismissed during the committee stage. Notably, these amendments sought to prevent doctors from suggesting suicide to minors and to safeguard individuals with Down’s syndrome or those at risk of suicide.

Caroline Ansell, who previously served as the MP for Eastbourne and now leads advocacy and policy at the Christian charity CARE, has expressed profound unease about the legislative process. She highlighted that the concerns of organizations representing those with disabilities, anorexia, and suicidal tendencies have been overlooked.

“As a former MP, I have felt deeply uneasy whilst following committee scrutiny of the Bill,” Ansell remarked. She emphasized that the removal of the High Court provision in favor of “widely criticised, unworkable panels” undermines confidence in the bill.

Ansell stated, “MPs should have no confidence in this Bill when it comes to third reading. It has not been given the robust scrutiny that all legislation requires – particularly a proposal of this gravity. Parliament should vote it down.”