Dr Peter Prinsley

I have cared for patients with advanced cancers of the head and neck, and I have seen patients at the end of their life. It is that experience above all that convinces me that we must introduce this humane and dignified option to assist those who are dying, so that they can die in peace at a time of their choosing and avoid the loss of autonomy and dignity that so many people fear. I fear it; perhaps other hon. Members also fear it, for none of us can know when we will die until we are dying ourselves. This is not a measure that chooses between life and death; it chooses between death and death, between dying and dying. That is the truth of the matter. I did not always think like this, but I have seen the limits of even the most skilful palliative care. I have seen the look in the eyes of the patient reconciled to the end of their days, and the pleading expression of the poor soul who wants to put an end to suffering. That is what we are debating—suffering. Assisted dying is complementary to palliative care; it is not an alternative. Others will say that assisted dying is unconscionable, and I respect that. I am asking the House to vote to support choice; that is all I am asking. We voted for the Bill before, and hon. Members in the other place sought to prevent its passage, but we are not misled or deceived by such a parliamentary device, and neither are the public, who will not forget this moment. I urge Members across the House to support choice. That is all I am asking.