Health Secretary Wes Streeting has initiated a review of the potential NHS costs associated with implementing a new assisted dying bill, while simultaneously expressing his intention to vote against the proposed legislation.
The bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to seek medical assistance in ending their lives. The proposed legislation requires verification from two doctors and a High Court judge to ensure the patient’s eligibility and voluntary decision-making.
Streeting has raised concerns about the potential financial implications of the bill, suggesting that funding such a service could come at the expense of other NHS services. Speaking at the NHS Providers conference in Liverpool, he stated that if Parliament chooses to proceed with assisted dying, it would be prioritizing investment in this area.
The Health Secretary emphasized several key points:
– The department will assess the potential costs and resource implications
– No medical professional would be compelled to participate if they have moral or ethical objections
– The current palliative care system is not sufficiently developed to provide patients with a comprehensive choice
Leadbeater has defended the bill, arguing it is the “most robust” in the world. She highlighted multiple safeguards, including:
– Three layers of scrutiny
– Sign-offs required from two doctors and a High Court judge
– Coercion would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison
Critics have raised concerns about potential coercion and the risk of a “slippery slope” that might expand the scope of assisted dying. Streeting himself expressed worry about patients feeling compelled to end their lives for cost-saving reasons.
The upcoming parliamentary vote, scheduled for 29 November, will be the first Commons vote on assisted dying since MPs rejected a similar measure in 2015. Interestingly, Streeting had voted in favor of the previous bill as a backbench MP.
The government has pledged to remain neutral on the issue, allowing MPs a free vote based on their individual conscience. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, a former director of public prosecutions, has previously supported assisted dying.
If the bill passes its initial vote, it will undergo further scrutiny by MPs and peers, who may propose amendments. The proposed legislation would only apply to terminally ill adults with a settled wish to end their lives and less than six months to live.
Streeting has committed to respecting Parliament’s decision, stating that regardless of his personal position, the government will follow the will of Parliament if the vote supports the assisted dying bill.
The debate continues to highlight the complex ethical, medical, and financial considerations surrounding end-of-life choices and the potential implementation of assisted dying in the UK.
