2 days ago
Your verdict on the assisted dying vote
Following a final round of debate in the House of Commons, the assisted dying Bill is set to become law.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill won the backing of 314 MPs, ensuring a majority. It will now go to the House of Lords for further scrutiny, but it is widely expected to become law.
Critics argue that the numerous amendments introduced during the legislative process leave the Bill open to potential misuse or error. Supporters, however, hailed the vote as a landmark victory.
However, the majority of respondents to our poll do not agree with how MPs voted.
Telegraph readers reacted in droves, with many raising serious concerns about how a new law will work in practice.
'Utterly evil Bill'
Elizabeth Kirkby argues that the Bill is 'deeply flawed in every way, with gaping loopholes everywhere'.
She adds: 'It is just a total disgrace and truly shames our so-called 'Government'. This utterly evil Bill is nothing short of murder. I just hope against hope that the House of Lords throws this abhorrence out.'
Miss Winter thinks this is 'the sickest vote in our history'. She believes that the people were 'not given a democratic vote on their right to avoid being coerced out of life'.
Reader R Scully describes the Bill as a 'total mess' and expresses frustration over its lack of provisions.
They remark: 'Irrespective of the arguments, this Bill contains no means as to how it should be implemented. That's just left for other people to work out. What else should we expect from this total mess of a Parliament?'
Adrianne Al-Zobaiydi was once in favour of assisted dying, but that support has now waned.
She argues: 'We no longer have family GPs who know all about us. Asking a judge to make a decision is ludicrous. The recent decisions seen by judges regarding immigration and asylum seekers only strengthens my argument – they are not medically equipped to do this job.'
Stephen Johnston says: 'To have a psychiatrist, social worker and legal figure involved in final decisions is concerning.'
Reader Russell Ellis points to a more sinister reality, suggesting: 'Soon some families may be knocking off the old to get the money.'
'Gives the terminally ill peace of mind'
However, some Telegraph readers are relieved by the Bill's passing.
'As the wife of a very ill woman, I am extremely pleased to see this go through,' Michelle Thurston remarks.
She continues: 'It will give my wife the option of taking the dignified way out rather than being forced into a situation where she has to go through much suffering before the end.'
Reader Bill Palmer says: 'At last, something to celebrate. A victory for humanity, for secularity, for common sense, for the majority and for individual freedom of choice.'
Julia Shamilton has nursed countless people near the ends of their lives. After witnessing many beg for death she is 'in agreement with this Bill'.
She says: 'I had one wonderful patient who used to ask me at every visit why she was still here. It was heartbreaking to see her waste away, turning to skin and bone. All I could tell her was that her body wasn't ready, which felt like a feeble excuse.'
Reader Sal Charm argues: 'The final stages of some terminal illnesses are pretty awful. Choosing to curtail that seems reasonable to me. I would not leave my dog or cat suffering at the end of life. I think I should have the same option for myself.'
'Humane decision'
While Ash Delacroix has some reservations about the Bill in its current state, she is hopeful it will be refined over time and is grateful for a step in the right direction.
Ash says: 'This is the start of giving people a choice. It is a huge relief knowing that if the pain becomes unbearable, all dignity is lost, and no drug works, there is a way to find permanent sleep.
'This is a humane decision today, albeit one that had a rough time getting through. We now need to shepherd it and ensure the legislation works properly.'
Stephen Pointing comments: 'The right result. It is something the majority of the population is in favour of and has been for a considerable period of time. Well done to those MPs who stuck by their guns despite a huge amount of pressure being applied by those against the Bill.'
