Today (16 May 2025) MPs from across the country filled the Houses of Commons to debate proposed amendments to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
As an organisation, we don’t have a single agreed view about the ethical or moral philosophical basis for assisted dying or assisted suicide. We represent those who support the general purpose, some who oppose it and some who are uncertain.
What we do have are concerns about the impact of the Bill on seriously ill young people and their families. It’s why we’ve been working hard with organisations across children’s palliative care and with parliamentarians to try and table important amendments.
Today’s debate and our reaction
While there are more changes still to be debated and voted on, today’s debate and the wide-ranging views shared by parliamentarians reflect the complexity of assisted dying.
Today’s approved change to allow certain medical professionals to opt out of helping with assisted dying is a good one. However, as the leading voice for children’s palliative care in this country, we feel organisations as a whole should also have the right to opt out.
We’re grateful to Dame Meg Hillier MP, who highlighted the potential impact of the Bill on seriously ill young people. We will continue to work with organisations across children’s palliative care and with parliamentarians to table additional amendments, including better safeguarding and guidance for young people and their families.
Our Chief Executive, Nick Carroll
The next debate and vote on proposed amendments will take place on Friday 13 June. In the meantime, you can familiarise yourself with the amendments we’re calling MPs to table by clicking the button below.