Today in Parliament, we debated the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill—a proposal that has raised serious concerns. Notably, it includes dozens of amendments, over 40 of which were introduced by the bill’s own sponsor. Despite the significance of the issue, only a fraction of the 90 MPs who wished to speak were able to do so during the five-hour debate.

I did not get the opportunity to speak in the debate, but I want to be clear: I have deep reservations about this bill—particularly at a time when palliative care remains critically underfunded. We must ask ourselves: are we truly offering people a choice, or are we failing those who need compassionate care the most?

Although we considered amendments today (Report Stage), the third reading and final vote won’t take place for at least another month. That gives us time to reflect—and to act.

Key Concerns Raised

1. Mental Capacity

Daniel Francis MP, whose daughter has learning disability, warned that the bill sets the bar for mental capacity too low. He shared a powerful example:

“An adult with a learning disability learns they have less than six months to live. They understand they might be a burden on their elderly parents. Under the Mental Capacity Act, they’re presumed capable of making decisions—even one as final as assisted dying. Their parents might only find out after it’s too late.”

2. Doctor Shopping

Sarah Olney MP raised the risk of individuals being able to seek multiple opinions until they find a doctor willing to approve an assisted death. She proposed an amendment requiring doctors to check whether a patient had previously been refused—and why. The bill’s sponsor opposed this, as well as any cap on how many cases a doctor could approve annually.

3. Doctors Initiating the Conversation

The bill allows doctors to raise assisted dying with patients who haven’t asked about it. For someone terminally ill and vulnerable, this could feel like pressure. Diane Abbott MP asked:

“Does my Honourable Friend agree that many people lack confidence in the face of authority—and that if a doctor raises assisted suicide, no matter how tactfully, it may feel like they’re being steered toward it?”

Sarah Bool MP added that informed consent requires full disclosure of risks. She cited Oregon’s data: complications occurred in 3% of cases in 2023, but historically the rate has been as high as 11%. There have been nine cases of patients regaining consciousness, and time to death has ranged from 3 minutes to 137 hours—over five and a half days.

4. No Opt-Out for Hospices and Care Homes

Many MPs were alarmed that the bill doesn’t allow hospices or care homes to opt out. Florence Eshalomi MP put it powerfully:

“We are here to elevate the voices of those furthest from power. If hospices can’t opt out, people who already feel ignored by the healthcare system may fear seeking end-of-life care.”

5. Young People at Risk

Doctors could discuss assisted dying with 16- and 17-year-olds, even though the process can’t begin until they turn 18. Seriously ill young people are especially vulnerable to influence. We must ensure they are protected from any suggestion that ending their life is the “right” choice.

6. Lack of Medical Safeguards

The bill does not require a multi-disciplinary review. There’s no obligation for doctors to consult with other professionals before approving an assisted death.

Catherine Atkinson MP and Sir Jeremy Wright MP questioned why the authorising panel isn’t required to consider input from family, carers, or treating clinicians. Rachel Maskell MP proposed that each case be reviewed by a panel including a social worker—experts in detecting coercion and supporting people in moments of fear, anxiety, and vulnerability.

What Happened in the Chamber

Of the 64 amendments in the first batch, only nine were formally moved—though not all require this. Disappointingly, the bill’s sponsor was not present to hear the debate or gauge the mood of the House.

Only two amendments went to a vote:

• Passed unanimously: No doctor, pharmacist, or care worker will be obliged to participate in assisted dying.
• Blocked by bill supporters: An amendment from Rebecca Paul MP to prevent employees from providing assisted dying while working for an employer that has opted out.

Final Thoughts

Events today were frustrating, but this is not a debate we can afford to rush. The stakes are too high, and the safeguards too weak. I do not believe I can support this bill in its current form—but I will use every opportunity to strengthen protections for the most vulnerable.