MP justifies costs associated with assisted dying legislation following impact evaluation
Let's Break Down the Assisted Dying Debate.
Assisted dying is heating up as a contentious issue, with MP Kim Leadbeater’s proposed legislation, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, under close scrutiny. The Bill aims to give terminally ill individuals a choice, but it's not just about the money, it's about the human cost.
The BBC Radio 4's Today programme recently discussed the impacts of this Bill, which was published for assessment two weeks before its next Commons debate. The assessment offers estimates on the potential number of applicants and the associated costs, with savings in end-of-life care costs projected at up to £60 million after ten years.
Kim Leadbeater describes her Bill as providing the "most robust piece of legislation in this area in the world," but she emphasizes the human element, not the financial aspects.
Katherine Sleeman, a palliative care professor, clarifies that while cost savings are possible due to high costs in the last months of life, the specific figures provided in the assessment should be viewed as estimates, not precise predictions.
The debate has sparked concerns that pressure might be placed on terminally ill people to end their lives due to the potential cost savings. Critics argue the Bill could put vulnerable individuals at risk, while proponents argue that safeguards are in place to prevent coercion.
The Bill has undergone modifications since its initial success in a Commons vote in November, with the High Court safeguard being replaced by expert panels, and the implementation period doubled. The Bill, if passed, would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with a life expectancy of fewer than six months to apply for an assisted death after approval from two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure, and psychiatrist.
The potential number of assisted deaths ranges from 164 to 787 in the first year and 1,042 to 4,559 in year 10. The implementation costs, including IT, recruitment, training, and panel expenses, remain to be estimated, with potential costs beginning within 12 months of the Bill receiving Royal Assent.
Parliament will gather for debate on May 16 for the Bill's report stage, where further amendments may be voted on. If time permits, a third and final vote on the Bill may occur, following which it could be sent to the House of Lords for further consideration. MPs are expected to vote based on conscience, not party lines, with the Government remaining neutral.
The bill's irony lies in its potential to save money yet risk putting vulnerable individuals in a challenging position. As the debate continues, it's crucial to remember that each human life is immeasurably more valuable than any financial savings that may be realized.
By Helen Corbett and Aine Fox, PA.
- The ongoing debate about assisted dying involves not only discussions about policy-and-legislation and the potential financial savings, such as the £60 million estimated savings in end-of-life care costs over ten years, but also concerns about the human impact and the risk of coercion.
- In the discussion of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, it's essential to consider the broader context, including the role of mental-health, health-and-wellness, and general-news, as well as the impact on various disciplines like science and politics.
- As the Bill moves through the parliamentary process towards a potential vote on May 16, it's crucial for politicians to maintain a balanced approach, keeping in mind the significant implications of the issue on both the financial landscape (politics & policy-and-legislation) and the individual's right to dignity and choice (mental-health, health-and-wellness, and general-news).
