Disability campaigners call for Burnham to delay assisted dying bill
Summary
Disability and terminal illness campaigners have asked Prime Minister Andy Burnham to improve social and palliative care before passing a law on assisted dying in England and Wales. The proposed bill would allow adults expected to die within six months to seek help to end their lives, but some worry it may put disabled people at risk if care services remain inadequate.Key Facts
- The campaign group Assist Us To Live wrote to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging care reforms before assisted dying laws are passed.
- The proposed Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would let adults with less than six months to live request help to end their lives.
- Having a disability alone would not qualify someone for assisted dying under the bill.
- Prime Minister Burnham supports fixing funding for palliative and social care before considering assisted dying legislation.
- The bill is sponsored by Labour MP Lauren Edwards and will be debated in Parliament on 11 September.
- Previous similar legislation passed the House of Commons but was delayed and not approved by the House of Lords.
- Disability groups and the Equality and Human Rights Commission warn the bill could pressure disabled and older people to end their lives earlier because of poor support.
- The campaign calls for better medical and social care so no one feels forced to choose death due to lack of help.
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