Assisted Dying Bill for the terminally ill

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has recently requested its members to put forward their views on assisted dying in preparation for their submission to the House of Lords Select Committee in July 2004 (see RCN bulletin issue 104).

The RCN currently uphold the present legal position, that assisted dying is illegal. However, the RCN desires the opportunity for debate on this issue. This is an opportunity not to be missed and CNM member are strongly encouraged to consider writing to or emailing the RCN to oppose any changes in legislation and in particular this Bill. Details of where to address your correspondence can be found at the end of this article. Lord Joffe’s Assisted Dying for the terminally Ill Bill (now reworked and renamed from the Patient Assisted Dying Bill) passed its second reading on 10th March 2004 and goes to the House of Lords Select Committee for detailed scrutiny. The revised bill seeks to legalise assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia.

Some objections to assisted dying include:

1. Assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia are unnecessary because alternative treatments for the symptoms prompting requests for euthanasia exist (e.g. treating depression, good palliative care)

2. As nurses we want to promote patients rights but not at the expense of our responsibilities as nurses (our duty to care) and in society to protect the weak and vulnerable.

3. The argument for showing compassion, promoting patients ‘self worth’ and respecting them as individuals is cited by those in favour. However, as individuals we are all unique (Christians believe that we are made ‘in the image of God’) and for that reason have intrinsic value. By promoting self worth we should value people and demonstrate our compassion by caring for them. This is a stronger action than simply giving up on them and promoting their death.

4. The right to die could become a duty to be killed, for those feeling that they are a burden to their families and carers.

5. This Bill may cause irreproachable damage to the clinician/nurse patient relationship, which is founded on trust. Patients would be fearful that they may be killed without consultation (especially for disability groups and those unable to communicate) Further excellent information is available at:

http://www.cmf.org.uk/index.htm?helix/spr04/editor2.htm
http://www.hospice-spc-council.org.uk/public/APM_NCHSPCS_Brief_PAD.pdf

Christian Nurses are encouraged to forward their views as a matter of urgency to the RCN encouraging them to oppose this Bill. Those who wish to contribute views and experiences should send them to Carol Bannister, PND Coordinator, Room 401, 20 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0RN or email carol.bannister@rcn.org.uk by mid-July.