Assisted Dying Bill will lead to exploitation of the vulnerable, says family of novelist killed for profit

14 October 2021

The family of novelist Peter Farquhar, exploited and murdered for his estate in 2015, has urged MPs to reject an Assisted Dying Bill in England and Wales.

Peter Farquhar was poisoned by Benjamin Field, who had deceived him into thinking he was sick. Coercing Mr. Farquhar into leaving him his personal estate, Mr. Field then murdered him.

The brother of Peter Farquhar has now written to MPs informing them that a proposed Assisted Dying Bill, if passed, would put the most vulnerable at risk of coercion, fraud and abuse.

His family said: “We fear that these proposals would mean that many vulnerable and elderly people would be put at risk of a fate like our brother’s.

“With a state sanctioned way of bringing about the death of the elderly and unwell, inheritance fraudsters would be able to take advantage of the vulnerable without fear of consequences.”

Baroness Meacher’s private member’s Assisted Dying Bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords soon, with a view to it being debated in the House of Commons next year.

The Bill would allow terminally ill persons to receive assisted dying if approved by two independent doctors and a High Court judge. The individual seeking to die would be prescribed lethal medication, which they would take themselves.

An attempt to introduce similar legislation in Scotland is also currently being undertaken.

SPUC comment

A SPUC spokesperson said: “Assisted dying, should it be legalised, would expose vulnerable persons, such as the unfortunate Mr. Farquhar, to exploitation and other forms of coercion – for money or to get rid of a ‘problem’ family member.

“SPUC calls on Parliament and the House of Lords to reject such dangerous legislation, which simply cannot be accepted by a responsible society that values and wants to protect its elderly, sick and disabled citizens.”

Assisted suicide pressures the vulnerable to end their lives, warns peer

Scottish consultation on Assisted Suicide Bill launched – SPUC to mobilise supporters against this “dangerous” bid

Assisted Dying Bill will lead to exploitation of the vulnerable, says family of novelist killed for profit

14 October 2021

The family of novelist Peter Farquhar, exploited and murdered for his estate in 2015, has urged MPs to reject an Assisted Dying Bill in England and Wa...

Please sign in to read the full article.

Registration is free.