As the House of Commons prepares to consider a bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales, we are calling on MPs to make sure the likely impact on seriously ill children, young people and their families is part of the debate.
Assisted dying is an extremely complex issue with many ethical and moral questions at its heart, not to mention the understandably strong emotions it evokes across all parts of society.
Together for Short Lives does 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.
If assisted dying were to be legalised for adults over the age of 18, there would be a number of significant implications for seriously ill children and young people, their families and the professionals and services that provide them with care and support.
For example, some children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions are cognitively able and have the competence to be involved in decisions about their treatment. In some cases, this will include advance care planning decisions about
their needs and wishes for their end of life care.
Any changes in the law should also ensure that best practices in palliative care are protected, and that clinicians can continue open discussions with families about end of life care choices. Clear guidance is also needed on how legislation would affect young people with life-limiting conditions across a range of scenarios.
Andy Fletcher, Chief Executive of Together for Short Lives, said:
“The moral and ethical principles of legalising assisted dying will understandably dominate the public debate on this issue in the weeks to come. But whatever side we take on this as individuals, we all have a responsibility to make sure that the potential impact on seriously ill children, young people and their families is recognised and accounted for.”
“We also have to acknowledge that access to high quality palliative care for children and young people depends on where they live. This is the result of a workforce crisis, significant funding gaps and a lack of accountability for NHS bodies and local councils that the UK’s governments must urgently address.
“We cannot allow a scenario in which young adults choose an assisted death because they are unable to access the palliative care they need, where they need it.”
“I call on Kim Leadbeater and all MPs taking part in the debate to come to carefully consider these implications, adopt appropriate safeguarding measures in the bill for young people where necessary – and make sure that they and their families have the essential ability to choose their own care.”
Read more about our position on assisted dying and assisted suicide here.