Legalising assisted dying: Please urge your MP to consider the implications for seriously ill children and young people
If enacted, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will give terminally ill people in England and Wales the right to choose to end their life.
On 29 November 2024, MPs voted to pass Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at its second reading. Since then, the Bill has undergone scrutiny in the Public Bill Committee, and is now set to return to the whole House of Commons for its report stage.
Assisted dying is a deeply complex issue that raises profound ethical and moral questions. It also evokes strong emotions across all parts of society, especially among families, professionals, and those living with serious illness.
At Together for Short Lives, we do not 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.
However, if assisted dying were to be legalised, there would be significant implications for seriously ill children, young people, their families, and the professionals who provide care and support. We have identified a number of areas where we think the bill could be improved.
Why your voice matters
On Friday 16 May, the Bill will return to the whole House of Commons for its report stage. This is an opportunity for MPs to debate, scrutinise and improve the Bill.
Given the implications the Bill could have for seriously ill children and young people. we have drafted a series of amendments that we would like MPs to make to the Bill.
You can help by writing to your MP today and asking them to table our amendments.
Take action: Write to your MP
As the bill progresses to this crucial stage, now is the time to make your voice heard. Please write to your MP, asking them to carefully consider the implications for seriously ill children and young people. They need to ensure that any legislation introduced includes appropriate safeguards, protects the best interests of children, and guarantees access to palliative care across the UK.
Together, we can ensure that any laws passed take full account of the needs of the most vulnerable children and young people in our society.