Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
Today’s vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been without doubt one of the most difficult decisions of my life.
At its core, I fundamentally agree with the principle of assisted dying and the right to choose. Even if it is not a decision I would necessarily take for myself, I do not see it as my right to deny others that opportunity if they so wish.
That is why I voted in favour of the bill at Second Reading back in November.
I have engaged with the process throughout, following the Bill Committee stage and attending all the Friday debate and vote sessions in Parliament.
I’ve also read the hundreds of letters and emails from constituents and spoken to many people about the issue at constituency surgeries. I thank each and every person for contacting me – please know that I considered the many responses when considering how I would vote at each stage and on the different amendments.
I agree with many of the arguments both for and against the Bill – that is why I voted for a number of the amendments tabled by opponents of the bill, including the amendment to block medical professionals from raising the prospect of assisted dying with anyone under the age of 18, which was approved at report stage.
At all stages I sought to strengthen the Bill with the aim of ensuring there were safeguards built in to protect vulnerable people and those at risk of coercion. More needs to be done in this regard and the four-year implementation period was a crucial factor in my decision making.
I ultimately decided to vote in favour of the Third Reading today.
I appreciate this decision will be supported by some and opposed by others. Please know it is not a decision that I took lightly, and my vote was very finely balanced in either direction.
Yours,
Terry Jermy MP
Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk
