The leader of the Liberal Democrats has concerns that legalising assisted suicide in the UK could put pressure on elderly people to end their lives to avoid feeling like a burden.
Sir Ed Davey voiced his concerns about assisted suicide on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme earlier this week saying how his personal experience caring for his mother as she died of cancer has shaped his views.
Despite her pain, he said they were able to ensure she had quality of life in her final days.
“She was in great pain, but we were able to make sure she had some quality of life and I think she wanted to be with us for a long time”, Sir Ed said.
Worries about pressure on the elderly
The Liberal Democrat leader went on to say that his other concern is the potential impact on elderly people’s thinking and feelings. He fears legalising assisted suicide could lead to indirect pressure on older individuals to end their lives to avoid being a burden.
“I don’t think that they should have any pressure – either indirect or, you know, the other way – that they’re a burden and that’s where I really worry”, Sir Ed said.
Sir Ed urged MPs “not to rush” a decision on assisted suicide legislation. In an interview with Sky News, he emphasised his scepticism toward changing the law and called for increased funding for end-of-life care as an alternative.
Despite Sir Ed’s reservations, the Liberal Democrats’ election manifesto pledged to allow a free vote for MPs on assisted suicide legislation. However, the party leader stressed that he does not believe the Lib Dems should lead this campaign.
Concerns about proposed Scottish legislation
Sir Ed declined to comment on Liberal Democrat proposals in Scotland that would potentially allow terminally ill 16 and 17-year-olds to access assisted suicide.
The debate over assisted suicide has gained attention in the UK, with the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, promising a free vote if backbenchers propose legislation, and now reportedly looking to fast-track a vote on assisted suicide before Christmas.
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said “Sir Ed Davey’s concerns about the impact on elderly people of legalising assisted suicide are well-founded. Creating an expectation for older individuals to end their lives prematurely to avoid being a ‘burden’ is a serious ethical issue that we cannot ignore”.
“In fact, in Oregon, which UK assisted suicide campaigners, Dignity in Dying, cite as a model for rolling out legislation, almost half of those who have ended their lives by assisted suicide in Oregon, said being a “[b]urden on family, friends/caregivers” was one of their “end-of-life concerns”.
“We urge all MPs to carefully consider these implications and prioritise improving end-of-life care rather than pursuing assisted suicide legislation”.
