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4w ago

Assisted Dying Bill Faces Mounting Opposition as Key Vote Approaches

Concerns over weakened safeguards, human rights compatibility, and fiscal implications challenge the Bill ahead of its third reading on May 16.

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Many MPs appear to have changed their mind now a High Court judge will not have to sign off each death
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Overview

  • A forthcoming government impact assessment is expected to reveal both costs and potential NHS savings from legalizing assisted dying, raising ethical and financial questions.
  • Public and parliamentary polls show growing concerns about the Bill, with 56% of Britons fearing it could pressure vulnerable groups and 42% of MPs indicating opposition.
  • Critics highlight the removal of High Court oversight, replaced by expert panels, as a significant weakening of safeguards in the legislation.
  • Legal experts argue the Bill may breach Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, citing risks of discrimination against disabled individuals.
  • Proponents of the Bill, led by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, defend its safeguards as robust, but opposition campaigns are intensifying ahead of the decisive vote.