Healthcare experts urge MSs to vote against assisted dying law

MORE than 250 of Wales' leading medics have urged Senedd members not to back the proposed new assisted dying law when a vote takes place in Wales next week.

- RUTH MOSALSKI Political editor

In an open letter, the healthcare professionals, who include consultants across Wales, are urging politicians to block the bill coming into effect in the NHS in Wales.

The letter says there has been "inadequate" oversight of the bill, which will be debated and voted on on January 20, saying it "undermines devolved independence in healthcare and poses unacceptable risks to patient safety and equity".

They say the law is "deeply flawed".

It says: "We have worked across the nation with vulnerable patients, and in under-resourced health and social care services. Those who are distressed as they face a terminal illness deserve better. unachieved. We know that care provision currently fails too many, but this Bill is not the answer."

The medics argue that the bill "fails to recognise the risks from mistaken diagnosis or misinformation. Accurate prognostication is impossible.... Patients will be eligible to access lethal drugs if they feel a burden or because of a lack of services. Coercion is often covert and difficult to detect, particularly when undue influence comes from family or from a person with authority."

The decision as to whether assisted dying should be legalised is not a matter for Senedd members, but one for Westminster, but the vote by Senedd members will have an impact on what happens in Wales.

In December, 2024, MPs first gave their backing to the proposal, which would allow people over the age of 18, who are expected to die within six months, to be given help to end their own life, subject to certain safeguards.