Opinion piece published Ilford Recorder and Newham Recorder November 2024
An Australian relative recently told me over dinner how a close friend had benefitted from assisted dying laws which now operate in most Australian states. The story is a powerful counter to those who want to deny this right here.
His friend was riddled with terminal cancer. Even the best palliative care could not make her pain bearable. Robust procedures were followed. An officially approved ‘death doula’ was on hand with drugs prescribed to bring on sleep and a pain-free death. Unwilling to face another night of torment, she requested and took them. She died peacefully in her own home at a time she chose and with her nearest and dearest by her side.
As a vote in our Parliament looms, big names in the religious hierarchy have cautioned against reform. Cardinal Nichols, the UK’s most senior Catholic, asserted that ‘life is a gift from our Creator.’ Senior figures in the Islamic community express similar objections. The Archbishop of Canterbury, who no doubt shares this view, has instead focussed on the risk of coercion. He calls legalisation ‘dangerous.’
Some disability activists also warn that they are especially vulnerable to pressure and being told they are ‘better off dead.’ Such concerns should be front and centre of any debate. And they can be addressed. There is nothing novel about making critical decisions around safeguarding the vulnerable. For example courts have long had to determine whether Powers of Attorney have been made through undue influence, or whether to turn off life support machines.
Dr Carey, a former Archbishop of Canterbury, recently expressed support for assisted dying as an act of compassion in tune with his religious values. He pointed out (Daily Express 16.10.24) that his view is supported by most churchgoers. This is borne out by the largest poll ever on assisted dying, published in March by campaigning organisation Dignity in Dying. It showed two thirds of respondents with faith supported a change in the law, as did 78% of disabled respondents, and an overwhelming majority of the public at large.
Some religious fundamentalists and campaigners will always oppose assisted dying, whatever the safeguards. It is cruel and unreasonable for them to insist others like my Australian example must endure excruciating, unrelievable pain because of their beliefs.
Paul Kaufman
Chairperson East London Humanists
