Member

Amendment 71 seeks to add an essential safeguard ensuring that someone does not elect for an assisted death due to an unknown unknown. People with terminal illnesses will often be unaware of the latest developments, in both medical and social care. Their immediate circle and the doctors and allied professionals they turn to may also not be familiar with them. We know that fear of the future, potential pain and loss of autonomy are key factors in wanting a change in the law, but if these fears are based on lack of knowledge, that is not a good reason for an assisted death. Lack of knowledge equals lack of choice.