Idea that assisted suicide saves money "troubling", says former MP

A former MP has described a government impact assessment noting the cost-saving potential of assisted suicide as "troubling".

Speaking after the document was published, Caroline Ansell, an ex-MP who is now Director of Advocacy and Policy at CARE, said:

"The government's assessment that assisted suicide could be a cost-saving measure for the National Health Service is troubling.

"Legalising this practice would raise the spectre of patients being encouraged, directly or tacitly, to end their lives due to the prohibitive costs of care.

"This tragic outcome has been seen in jurisdictions such as Canada. MPs must ask whether they are prepared to open the door to it in the UK."

Ms Ansell added:

"We are also concerned that the impact assessment places too much emphasis on vulnerable citizens' access to assisted death, rather than safeguarding against any disproportionate take up by this group.

"People on the margins of society will be most at risk under an assisted suicide regime. We would urge parliament to reject the Assisted Dying Bill."

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Caroline Ansell was the Conservative MP for Eastbourne between 2015-17 and 2019-24 and is now Director of Advocacy and Policy at the charity CARE.

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) is a social policy charity, bringing Christian insight to the policies and laws that affect our lives.

Contact us: press@care.org.uk