Member

These amendments all share a simple purpose: to ensure that when a person says they wish to end their life, we know—really, truly know—that it is their voice, their will and their informed decision. Amendment 167 ensures that the Bill speaks plainly. Amendment 171 ensures that people with sensory impairments can understand what is being asked of them. Amendment 171A ensures that women facing cultural or religious coercion are not unprotected. I conclude by saying that if we cannot guarantee clear communication, accessible information and freedom from coercion, we cannot guarantee informed consent—and if we cannot guarantee informed consent, we have no business legislating for assisted dying at all. I urge the noble and learned Lord, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, to accept that proposition, and I urge the Committee to support these amendments.