The UK is on a “slippery slope towards death on demand”, in keeping with the justice secretary forward of a historic Commons vote on assisted dying.
In a letter to her constituents, Shabana Mahmood mentioned she was “profoundly concerned” in regards to the laws.
“Sadly, recent scandals – such as Hillsborough, infected blood and the Post Office Horizon – have reminded us that the state and those acting on its behalf are not always benign,” she wrote.
“I have always held the view that, for this reason, the state should serve a clear role. It should protect and preserve life, not take it away.
“The state ought to by no means provide demise as a service.”
On 29 November, MPs will likely be requested to think about whether or not to legalise assisted dying, by way of Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ailing Adults (Finish of Life) Invoice.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
14:46
Minister ‘leans’ to assisted dying invoice
Particulars of the laws have been printed final week, together with affirmation the medication that can finish a affected person’s life will have to be self-administered and folks have to be terminally ailing and anticipated to die inside six months.
Ms Mahmood, nonetheless, mentioned “predictions about life expectancy are often inaccurate”.
“Doctors can only predict a date of death, with any real certainty, in the final days of life. The judgment as to who can and cannot be considered for assisted suicide will therefore be subjective and imprecise.”
Beneath the Labour MP’s proposals, two impartial medical doctors should affirm a affected person is eligible for assisted dying and a Excessive Court docket choose should give their approval.
The invoice may also embrace punishments of as much as 14 years in jail for individuals who break the legislation, together with coercing somebody into ending their very own life.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
2:41
Particulars of finish of life invoice launched
Nonetheless, Ms Mahmood mentioned she was involved the laws may “pressure” some into ending their lives.
“It cannot be overstated what a profound shift in our culture assisted suicide will herald,” she wrote.
“In my view, the greatest risk of all is the pressure the elderly, vulnerable, sick or disabled may place upon themselves.”
In an more and more fractious debate across the subject, a number of Labour MPs have voiced their issues.
The federal government is remaining impartial on the invoice.
