Published with permission, a constituent writes powerfully to her MP on the matter of assisted suicide.

Dear James Naish MP,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of West Bridgford and a nurse with 22 years of experience. 

I have worked in healthcare for the last 22 years. During that time, I worked 6 years as an Oncology nurse at a children's hospital which sadly, also involved palliative care. I must express that although this involved children my experiences both through work and my personal life are most relevant to this topic. During my time in palliative and end-of-life care for children and young people, I encountered some of the most challenging and heartbreaking situations of my life. Each case was unique, filled with its own complexities and emotions, yet there was a common thread: the need for compassionate, holistic care that focused on enhancing the quality of life in the time that remained.

The care we provided went beyond managing physical symptoms; it encompassed emotional and psychological support for both the patients and their families. I witnessed the incredible resilience of young patients, who often found joy and meaning in their remaining days, despite their circumstances. The focus was on creating meaningful experiences—whether that was allowing a child to attend a family event, creating cherished memories with loved ones, or simply providing a peaceful environment where they could express their feelings openly.

In those difficult moments, the expertise of a dedicated palliative care team made a profound difference. We worked closely with families to ensure that the child's remaining time was filled with love, support, and dignity. This care allowed families to come together, celebrate life even in the face of death, and find solace in knowing that their loved one was treated with the utmost respect and compassion.

Enhance palliative care and treat all with dignity

However, it is precisely these experiences that heighten my concern about the implications of legalising assisted suicide. In moments of extreme vulnerability, when families are navigating the unthinkable, the pressure to consider ending a life can distort the very essence of care. Instead of fostering an environment where we prioritise palliative support and emotional well-being, we risk creating a landscape where vulnerable individuals feel that their only option is to choose death.

My experiences in oncology and palliative care have reinforced my belief that every life, regardless of the challenges it presents, deserves to be treated with compassion and dignity. We must strive to enhance our palliative care services, ensuring that individuals facing terminal illness receive the support they need to live fully, rather than considering assisted dying as a solution.

The legalisation of assisted suicide fundamentally alters the way we view life, suffering, and our responsibilities toward one another. Once such a law is enacted, there is a real danger that it will be exploited, either directly or indirectly, particularly affecting those who are already marginalized. No matter what safeguarding procedures are in place, once enshrined in law this is open to manipulation and expansion as seen in other countries that have legalised assisted suicide.

International warnings

In countries like Canada, the Netherlands, and Belgium, we have seen concerning patterns emerge. In Canada, for instance, a report indicated that patients with disabilities often felt they had no choice but to consider assisted dying, not because they genuinely wished to end their lives, but due to a lack of adequate support and resources. This raises critical ethical questions about the true nature of "choice." When individuals are pressured—whether overtly or subtly—by societal expectations or inadequate healthcare options, their autonomy is compromised.

In the Netherlands, the criteria for euthanasia have expanded significantly since its legalisation. What began as a policy to assist terminally ill patients has evolved to include individuals with psychological distress. This slippery slope creates a scenario where those suffering from mental health issues, rather than receiving the help they need, may feel that ending their life is the only viable option. Such a shift devalues the lives of individuals who may require compassion and care, not euthanasia.

Belgium has also faced serious concerns regarding oversight and abuse. There have been reports of involuntary euthanasia, where patients were euthanized without explicit consent or where the assessment of their capacity to make such a decision was inadequate. These alarming cases illustrate how vulnerable individuals—especially those who are elderly, disabled, or mentally ill—can be at risk once assisted dying becomes normalised.

Please consider the serious implications of assisted suicide

I urge you to reflect on these insights and advocate against the proposed assisted suicide legislation. Let us focus on ensuring that every person, especially the most vulnerable, has access to high-quality care that values life and promotes dignity.  I want to express my strong opposition to the proposed legislation on assisted suicide, as I believe it poses a significant risk to vulnerable individuals and can lead to abuse of the law.

As a healthcare professional, I am deeply concerned that legalising assisted suicide may inadvertently send a message that some lives are less worth living. The societal implications are profound: if we begin to accept assisted dying as a solution for suffering, we may neglect our duty to improve the quality of care and support for those facing difficult health challenges.
Rather than pursuing legislation that allows for assisted suicide, we should focus on enhancing palliative care services and mental health support. Every individual deserves compassionate care that respects their dignity and provides them with the best possible quality of life, regardless of their medical condition.

I urge you to consider these serious implications and to advocate for policies that protect the vulnerable rather than expose them to potential harm. Please stand with me in opposing assisted suicide legislation and instead support comprehensive initiatives aimed at improving palliative care.

Thank you for your attention to this vital issue.

Sincerely,
Your constituent