Member

Over the past months, I have tabled amendments that I thought would help get the Bill—if it becomes law—to a point of ensuring that the most vulnerable are protected. My amendments 19 and 20 would work to edit the code of practice for the Bill to ensure that there is clear guidance with regard to doctors’ duties, suicide prevention, article 2 on the protection of human life, and interaction with the Mental Health Act. The Bill is currently blind on what to do with people detained in hospital and patients presenting with suicidal thoughts. I have great concerns that many people who are quite unwell psychologically will start presenting to services seeking an “assisted death” rather than presenting with suicidal ideation.