SOBRE ESTE EPISÓDIO
Following Part 1 and Part 2 of this important conversation, in this final segment the panel (Amanda Hunter, Ken Ross, George Fielding, and UKMFA’s Dr Liz Evans) conclude that legalising Assisted Suicide will put those with disabilities at risk of feeling they have no option but to proceed down this dark route. And that society will cross an ethical Rubicon into the realm of eugenics.
The Illusion of Choice and Systemic Failures
A primary concern raised by the panel is that “choice” in Assisted Dying is an illusion when the healthcare system is already failing vulnerable people.
The Reality of Care: George Fielding highlights that caring for disabled individuals is a full-time, often uncompensated job. Families are frequently left in a “black hole” of bureaucratic struggles to secure support, leading to deep anxieties about who will care for their children when they are gone.
Lack of Alternatives: Proponents of the bill are accused of taking advantage of a broken system. With an estimated 100,000 people dying annually without adequate palliative care—and hospices actively making redundancies—assisted suicide may become the only available option rather than a genuine choice.
Redesigning Care: Before introducing assisted dying, the panel argues that the government must first redesign social care, fix universal credit, and ensure universal access to palliative care.
The Misuse of DNARs (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation)
The panel discusses the implication of the historical misuse of DNAR orders on the reality of introducing Assisted Suicide.
Shift in Purpose: Ken Ross notes that DNARs have already morphed from a protective measure (”do not jump on my chest if my heart stops”) into a mechanism for actively withdrawing life-saving treatment (including food and fluids) altogether. Which is euthanasia by the back door.
Lack of Consent: Dr Liz Evans points to Covid protocols, where blanket DNARs were imposed on disabled individuals, those with learning disabilities, and the elderly—often without their consent or the knowledge of their families. This exposed a deep-seated societal prejudice around whose lives are deemed “valuable” and worth saving.
Eugenics and the Slippery Slope
The panel push back strongly against the framing of Assisted Dying as a progressive step for society.
The Eugenics Comparison: Fielding argues that the healthcare system ultimately judges the value of a life based on “productivity and efficiency,” making the proposed legislation inherently eugenic.
The Slippery Slope: The panel warns that safeguards inevitably erode. Citing international examples (like Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands) where Assisted Dying criteria have rapidly expanded over only a few years to include children, younger adults, and those suffering from mental health issues, poverty, or disabilities.
Call to Action for Parliamentarians
As the reintroduced (Lauren Edwards) Assisted Dying Bill moves towards it’s Second Reading and vote in Parliament on 11th September, the panel issues a direct plea to MPs to reject it outright in that vote. Calling on them to:
Engage with Lived Experience: MPs are urged to stop relying on social media, soundbites, or distilled briefs. Instead, they must speak directly with disabled individuals and advocacy groups who understand the real-world impact of these policies.
Recognize the Unequal Impact: Fielding warns MPs representing poorer or rural constituencies (such as Cornwall or post-industrial towns) that their vulnerable constituents will be hit hardest by this legislation, as these areas often suffer the most from underfunded social and healthcare infrastructure.
Call to Action for the Public
Please visit UKMFA’s “Reject Assisted Suicide” Campaign page for more information about how you can get involved in fighting against this Bill.
PROTEST - There is a planned protest outside Parliament on the 11th September, when the Second reading and vote takes place. We will post details of timings on our campaign page when they become available.
WRITE TO YOUR MP - Right To Life have produced an Assisted Suicide Letter to Print and Post to your MP
HEALTHCARE WORKERS - Our Duty of Care has produced a tool to quickly and easily send an email specifically aimed at healthcare professionals to their MP, asking for a meeting and detailing the reasons that leading medical organisations have serious concerns about the ‘Assisted Dying’ Bill.
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