Assisted Dying

There is a house of commons committees inquiry into assisted dying, the public have the opportunity to put comments forward through a survey. The survey closes today (20th Jan).

If you have an views on the subject it may be worth filling out the survey (it doesn't take long). Hopefully it hasn't been hijacked by the religious quarter.

I have seen several relatives suffer needlessly at the end of their life. Most recently my father-in-law who died last year of Sporadic CJD. He literally went insane over the course of 3 weeks and spent the 4th week unconscious before dying. It was horrific for him and the family.

Assisted dying/assisted suicide
Inquiry
The Health and Social Care Committee has launched an inquiry into assisted dying/assisted suicide.

We would like to hear your views, which will inform the report we write and the recommendations we make to the Government.

https://committees.parliament.uk/work/6906/assisted-dying-assisted-suicide/

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/M66AML/

Done.

Done

Done, thank you for raising this

Done.

Done

done

Done

Done.

And fuck that! It would definitely be hijacked by pressure groups.

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That was short.

Some of you may have read this yesterday:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/19/die-pain-government-assisted-dying-survey

The “Inescapable Truth” report within the article is a tough read.

I'm not so sure - it's had some (but varying) success in other countries. My naive hope would be that ~100 or so people directly involved in the process would allow meaningful discussion rather than the targeted social media crap that's aimed at large sections of the population.
Much like a jury on a specific case, vs "no smoke without fire", "take back control", "'comin' over 'ere, takin' our jobs" type appeals to prejudice or insecurity

one of my comments whilst filling out the world's shortest survey:

"It depends very much on the individual's situation, perception of what could be done to improve their situation , prognosis of any life limiting condition, capacity to make that decision and a weighing up of the pros and cons. A "cooling off" period might be useful as there may be people that once given the option to end their life don't but feel reassured that they could do so in a more controlled less violent way than if they were not "assisted".
I've worked in the mental health and physical world for many years and this is an ongoing discussion / conundrum...

There's a bill going through the Lords at the moment isn't there. I've been meaning to give it a read

They are apparently debating it in the Scottish parliament soon too.

I think it should happen if your terminal and know your only gonna get worse but if it does happen you can bet it’ll be big money and someone or big firm will make insane money out it

Watched a programme years ago of a British person with motor neurone disease going to Switzerland. Its was quite laborious process with lots people involved and hoops to jump through, all of which needs paying for.

A moving article about Dave Rowntree’s wife, who ended her life at Dignitas:

https://amp.theguardian.com/society/2024/oct/31/blur-drummer-says-uk-law-on-assisted-dying-is-psychopathic

Thats a tearful read tbh. I hope we see some sanctioning of at least accompaniment to be with folk who want to end their life on their terms in my lifetime.

Vote on the 2nd reading of the assisted dying bill today.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/nov/29/what-will-happen-with-the-assisted-dying-bill-on-friday-and-will-it-pass

Our local MP has said he is going to vote against it. My wife (pro assisted dying choice) emailed him to find out which way he would vote. when he replied, his reasons for his proposed vote against was the pressure he believed that would be put on the elderly.
To be honest I was underwhelmed by his reasoning as I believe that the checks and balances proposed in the legislation don't support his concerns.

I sorely hope after finding out on 'ere a year ago that euthanasia is illegal on your isles.

My dutch grandfather passed a bit more then two years ago through euthanasia because of dementia.
The process to get there took the better part of 5 years. The act itself was administered in his care home by the doctor that had been assigned his case for more than two years. After the act the bed was treated like a crime scene; we weren't allowed to touch anything after death had been diagnosed before another doctor came to check if all had been done to standard and to certify it. Very rigourous process!

And it was a beautiful parting. Of his own volition, surrounded by loved ones, still able to say goodbye in a surprisingly good mental state.. The supposed clarity that comes with impending death really exists.
He went down (seaman, apt metaphor) literally singing and cracking a joke during it. Just, beautiful.

I keep my fingers crossed for today's vote

As noted in the news thread, the bill has passed.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/nov/29/mps-vote-for-assisted-dying-in-england-and-wales

I have very mixed feelings on this.
I think it’s very easy to agree with the simplistic vision of it, far harder working through the grey matter.

I think over all I fall on the against side.