Britain’s last taboo has made its way back into the public conscience recently with Guernsey’s parliament due to hold a vote in May regarding allowing terminally ill people the right to die, so long as they have only six months to live and are mentally competent.
Assisted dying has been illegal in Britain since the Suicide Act of 1961 was implemented. Anyone found assisting the death of another could face up to 14 years in prison. Several attempts have been made in the past to change these laws, but they have always been unsuccessful. Many point the finger at religious objectors who seem to pack the commons when these subjects arise for discussion but considering a You Gov poll showed 79% of religious followers in agreement of changing assisted dying laws, what is preventing us from making these changes?
Religion?
As mentioned, a poll showed 79% of religious folk agreed with a change in the law however, the figures varied from faith to faith with Muslims and Baptists the biggest opposers to assisted dying. But this does not change the fact that those in favour varied in terms of age, race and gender, showing that views on assisted dying are more of a personal choice than for any specific aspect of religious doctrine.
That’s not to say that people didn’t express the fact that God or the teachings of scripture supplied moral authority on the subject, after all, all life is sacrosanct. Concern for vulnerable people being exploited into assisted dying was also cited as another reason not to change the law.
The Public?
The same You Gov poll showed that 82% of the public either agreed with a change in law or would like to see it abolished altogether. This figure changed significantly however when the question was posed about non-terminal conditions, with only 49% in agreement.
Again, exploitation of the system seemed to be a big concern. Public opinion agreed with assisted dying if the patient was of sound mind.
Doctors?
54% of GPs were supportive or neutral to a change in law on assisted suicide which is reflected by the Royal College of Nursing which suggest medical establishments should remain neutral. With just over 50% of GPs stating they would participate in the assisted dying process it is important to allow them the freedom to choose.
The Disabled?
Again, no. The majority of disabled people surveyed (86%) agreed with a change in the law. They too agreed that the person should have a terminal illness (not necessarily be disabled) and be of sound mind.
Then Why?
In short…. It’s complicated. Not only is it an emotional subject, it’s a rather polarising topic and any changes would require substantial scrutiny to ensure it could not be abused.
One of the biggest concerns regarding an assisted dying law would be vulnerable people being bullied/coerced into committing suicide against their wishes or at the behest of a family member. The current proposal going through Guernsey right now already covers that possibility by ensuring the patient is of sound mind and clearly capable of making the decision themselves, as well as being able to administer their own lethal dose of medication.
Many others claim that it would be a ‘slippery slope’ opening the door for all sorts of different ways to ‘knock off’ an elderly relative you no longer want to care or pay for. It would allow carers and doctors to conspire against the sick people burdening their lives. Whilst there may be rare cases of this cropping up, evidence from other countries which have assisted dying facilities (Switzerland, Germany, Japan and several US states) have shown that any assisted dying laws were neither abused or expanded to cover euthanasia or less terminal illnesses. Many of the laws have not changed since they were implemented, and some of those have been around for 10 years.
