The controversial and divisive issue of assisted dying is a difficult conversation that needs to be had because death ultimately affects us all. Even if one is fortunate enough to never be directly impacted by an assisted death, they will almost certainly be indirectly affected if the End of Life Bill passes into law, marking the biggest social change to British society in many lifetimes.
After patients and their immediate families, it is the country’s doctors who will be most affected by any change in the law. The medical community, like society, is divided on the issue, with emotions running high and accusations of spreading misinformation leading up to the final vote next week.
Two senior doctors, Dr. Mark Lee and Dr. Jacky Davis, have differing views on assisted dying. Dr. Lee, a consultant in palliative care, believes the bill poses risks to patients, families, doctors, and palliative care. On the other hand, Dr. Davis, a consultant radiologist and campaigner for assisted dying legislation, argues that the current status quo leads to bad deaths every day and that a compassionate choice should be offered at the end of life.
Dr. Lee acknowledges the limitations of palliative care due to underfunding but sees the national conversation as an opportunity to address these failings and improve end-of-life care. Dr. Davis emphasizes the need to offer a compassionate choice to those facing difficult deaths and advocates learning from other countries that have implemented assisted dying legislation.
Concerns about pressure on the NHS have been raised, with Dr. Lee warning that assisted dying could break the NHS and lead to staff walking away from their jobs. Dr. Davis, however, believes that the impact on the health service is being overstated and that every patient is entitled to a pain-free and dignified death.
The debate on assisted dying extends beyond the medical community, with discussions taking place in hospitals, hospices, offices, factories, and living rooms across the country. Ultimately, it will be up to the politicians to decide the fate of the End of Life Bill.
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