CARE: MPs must vote the assisted suicide Bill down

Westminster assisted suicide legislation lacks the confidence of experts and should be voted down, CARE has said.

Kim Leadbeater's 'assisted dying' Bill returns to the Commons for further debate tomorrow, and a crucial third reading vote is expected next week.

In the last four weeks, a number of prominent groups and individuals have expressed serious concerns about the legislation.

'Real threat'

Critical groups include the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of Physicians, and the UK's largest Disabled People's Organisation.

More than 1,000 doctors in various specialisms signed an open letter calling the Bill a "real threat to both patients and the medical workforce".

And experts in palliative medicine and anorexia have warned of a devastating impact on the vulnerable people they represent.

'Public anxiety'

Commenting ahead of the debate on Kim Leadbeater's Bill tomorrow, a spokeswoman for CARE, which is opposing a change in the law, said:

"Ms Leadbeater's Bill has amassed a growing number of critics, including medical experts, disability rights campaigners, and people who care for the most vulnerable members of our society. Polling also demonstrates public anxiety about the impact of an assisted suicide law in the UK.

"The Westminster Bill lacks the confidence of the very people who need to be convinced. MPs need to do the right thing and vote it down. It is time for parliament to move past the discredited campaign for assisted suicide and redouble efforts to improve truly life-affirming forms of support."

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Concerns raised by expert groups:

More than 1,000 doctors urge MPs to vote against assisted dying bill
The loophole in the assisted dying bill that no one wants to talk about
DDPOs Plan UN Complaint Against Assisted Dying Bill
Royal College of Psychiatrists pulls support for assisted dying bill
Royal College of Physicians joins criticism of assisted dying bill
Assisted dying bill should be scrapped, says leading care consultant

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