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Carla Lockhart

Carla Lockhart

Democratic Unionist Party — Upper Bann

Speaking in the House of Commons on 11 September 2026

Debate

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Contribution

I could not agree more with the hon. Member. Especially vulnerable people include those with learning difficulties, those with a history of suicidal feelings or those detained for their own safety under the Mental Health Act 1983. To give just one example, people with Down’s syndrome rely heavily on parents and carers to navigate complex decisions. They are deserving of every possible safeguard, and the Bill does not provide it. Instead, according to the National Down Syndrome Policy Group, “The Bill presumes the best, rather than legislates for the worst.” That is not good legislation. As one member of the group said, “I worry that I and others with Down syndrome, and our families and supporters, might be pressured to consider ending our lives when we face the effects of aging. Haven’t we enough stigma to deal with already?”
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