The debate over legalising assisted dying, particularly in England and Wales, raises significant concerns. While the proposed legislation offers terminally ill individuals the option to end their lives with medical assistance, critics warn that it could lead to undue pressure on vulnerable people. This includes the elderly, disabled, or those suffering from mental health issues who might feel coerced into making a decision to die, even if they don’t genuinely want to. Such pressure could come from family, carers, or society, making it a serious ethical concern.

A major issue with the proposed law is the reliability of medical diagnoses. The bill requires that applicants be expected to die within six months, but terminal illness prognoses are not always accurate. Many people live far longer than their doctors initially predicted, raising the possibility that individuals might be allowed to end their lives prematurely, before any further treatment options or improvements are explored. This subjectivity in diagnosis could result in irreversible decisions being made based on incorrect assessments.

Another concern is that the focus on legalizing assisted dying might divert attention from the need to improve palliative care. Critics argue that the resources used to support assisted dying could be better spent on ensuring high-quality care for those at the end of their lives. Without adequate palliative support, people may feel that ending their lives is their only option, simply because they haven’t been given the necessary tools to manage their suffering effectively.

The ethical implications of legalising assisted dying are also a major point of contention. Critics fear that such laws could set a dangerous precedent, where the definition of who is eligible for assisted death gradually expands. What begins as a law for terminally ill patients might one day extend to those with chronic conditions or even mental health struggles, fundamentally altering society’s approach to life and death. This could undermine the principles of medical ethics, particularly the role of doctors in preserving life.

Additionally, the issue of consent in assisted dying is complex. Despite safeguards like requiring two doctors to confirm eligibility, individuals may still be coerced into making a decision due to their mental health, emotional state, or external pressures. Conditions like depression can impair judgment, making it difficult for a person to truly assess whether they want to die or if their decision is influenced by temporary distress.

Despite these concerns, supporters of assisted dying argue that it provides a compassionate choice for those suffering from terminal illnesses. They believe that with proper safeguards in place, assisted dying can offer individuals the dignity to die on their own terms, free from prolonged suffering. However, any law regarding assisted dying must be approached with caution, ensuring that the decision is made freely, with proper support, and without risking harm to vulnerable individuals. Only through thorough consideration and debate can the complexities of this issue be addressed.

By Jin Chen, Year 11.