Minister Defends Assisted Dying Bill as a Matter of Choice

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has defended the proposed assisted dying bill, telling the BBC that it centers on the “right to choose.” She declined to criticize Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who communicated to her constituents this weekend that the suggested amendments would lead to a “slippery slope to death on demand.” Kendall conveyed on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg her conviction that the bill would grant individuals “power, choice and control” over their own deaths. The legislation, which would permit some terminally ill individuals to undergo a medically assisted death, is scheduled for parliamentary debate by MPs on Friday. During her appearance on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Kendall stated: “I think you should have the right to choose.” She further clarified: “The point is not that this is for everybody.” Kendall, a long-standing proponent of assisted dying, characterized the bill’s debate as part of a “bigger” national conversation, noting that more people “have longer deaths.” Her remarks coincided with 29 faith leaders, representing Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and Sikhs, signing an open letter. This letter warned that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill could result in individuals feeling compelled to end their lives to avoid burdening their families or the NHS. MPs are slated to have a free vote on Friday regarding the bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater. This provision allows them to vote according to their conscience rather than party directives. Public sentiment indicates majority support for legal reform, with a recent You