Assisted Dying.

 Today is an important one as MP’s discuss the Assisted Dying bill. I don’t envy them this momentous decision. In my opinion they should vote for a change in the status quo. The current law is placing the medical profession, families and friends in an impossible situation. The dilemma is - can I help my loved one to die - without being prosecuted for unlawful killing? This dilemma with be erased by a change. I know it’s - crossing a Rubicon, but the present law is untenable and unkind and should be changed. We all want a - good death and this necessary change will make this more likely and possible.

 Another factor is the change in the relationship between doctors and patients - following the case of Dr Harold Shipman (1946- 2004). He it will be recalled killed many elderly patients in his own practice in Manchester. He was subsequently found guilty, but killed himself in prison. His odious and heinous crimes has - distorted the doctor patient relationship. Prior to this a - family doctor might alleviate serious pain in a subtle way - but Shipman changed that for ever. 

 I hope they vote for change today as the status quo is unworkable and cruel and not ‘fit for purpose’. Moreover four previous Directors of Public Prosecutions - have asked MP’s today to relieve them of this - onerous responsibility of deciding whether to prosecute someone following a death. The irony is that the person has already died, but it’s the loved ones who could face a prison sentence of up to 14 years. Time to - turn the page on this antediluvian, cruel and unworkable criminal status quo. 

The vote in the House of Commons has just taken place today and the vote was as follows: Change 330. Against 275. Majority 55. So now the bill goes to committee and will return to house eventually. Personally I’m very pleased.