The DUP MP said, “Many of those who have indicated support for this bill do so because they believe it is a compassionate alternative to the great suffering faced by many people towards the end of their life. A desire to reduce suffering must motivate everyone, but without properly addressing issues in palliative care it is wrong to press people towards ending their lives.
Our Health Service must be focused on protecting life, and on protecting the vulnerable. It is a reality that in every case where assisted suicide has been introduced elsewhere, its scope has widened beyond the often, narrow focus of its initial introduction. It will be those who are most marginalised and who have the fewest resources who are likely to feel most pressure to remove the ‘burden’ they may feel they have become.
The safeguards included within the bill, whilst bureaucratic and placing a significant burden on the legal system, lack detail on how they will make a real difference to prevent the kind of coercion or pressure which will inevitably form part of the system.
It is tempting to portray Friday’s vote as somehow bringing a line under this issue. If MPs decide to back the legislation there can be no doubt however that it will actually be the start of a very long process over years and even decades that will see many more people ending their life rather than receiving the care they deserve.”