Two weeks from today, MPs will be debating and voting on the principles of the Assisted Dying (No.2)Bill. This is the first time for almost two decades that MPs have had this debate; judges, peers and commentators have all pressed for the elected house to consider the issue; and a Private Member's Bill, if passed by both Houses, would be as much law as a Government bill. This is a very important debate.
You have been meeting with or writing to your MPs in your thousands and we are both delighted and grateful: yours are the voices which make fighting this bill possible. In these last two weeks, there are three clear priorities:
- If you haven't already made contact with your MP, or if you are able to encourage others to do so, it is not too late. Meet with them if possible, but otherwise, write or e-mail: www.carenotkilling.org.uk/Bill2015 Many MPs have been hosting public meetings on the issue: ring your MP's constituency office and find out if any are coming up near you
- If you have been in contact with your MP already and feel that they are receptive to our case, send them a brief follow-up message reminding them of the debate and strongly urging them to attend and vote against the Bill. It is important for MPs to voice opposition in the strongest possible terms and in the greatest possible numbers
- As we have mentioned before, we will be rallying outside Parliament on 11 September. The support these gatherings have attracted in the past has been fantastic, serving to give real faces and voices to the case against assisted suicide. Such rallies are also very positive affairs, showing that beyond this debate, there are many people making real the commitment to good care and support. Help show that people can live lives full of dignity and joy regardless of diagnosis or prognosis
We have in recent weeks heard many strong messages against the Bill:
- Some 80 doctors working in end of life care wrote an open letter to MPs denouncing the proposals
- Senior Oregon physician Prof William Toffler stated that his home-state's assisted suicide law was a mistake, and warned the UK against following its example
- CNK media spokespeople and associates continue to contribute to the media discussion, including debates on ITV and CNN
We have every reason to believe that MPs will accept the evidence-based case against legalising assisted suicide, but we must all work up to the last minute.
Thank you.
