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Calls for Focus on Palliative Care Amid Assisted Dying Legislation Debate

As lawmakers advance assisted dying legislation for England and Wales, a warning has been issued regarding the importance of palliative care. Layla Moran, chair of the health and social care committee, emphasized that ignoring the concerns raised by medical professionals would be misguided.

The proposed bill recently cleared its initial parliamentary obstacle in November, aiming to allow terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to choose to end their lives. The next step involves scrutiny by a committee of MPs, who will gather public evidence starting this month. The bill is anticipated to undergo several amendments before returning to the House of Commons in late April.

Moran, a member of the Liberal Democrats and a proponent of the bill, stated that the government’s goal should be to facilitate assisted dying as a last resort. She highlighted the committee’s intention to later assess the current state of palliative care within the year.

She expressed her disagreement with colleagues advocating for modifications to the bill that would prevent doctors from proactively discussing assisted death options with patients. “Engaging with patients about all potential treatment avenues, including assisted dying, is crucial for informed decision-making,” Moran offered. “The challenge lies in determining the ethical and practical approaches to this communication.”

Reiterating her support for assisted dying, Moran stressed the necessity for immediate government attention to enhance palliative care systems, warning that neglecting this issue could erode public trust. “Understanding the pressures facing healthcare services, especially in palliative care, calls for us to listen carefully to professional insights regarding vulnerable patients,” she cautioned.

Expressing a vision for the legislation, Moran articulated a desire to ensure that if the bill were enacted, efforts would simultaneously aim to reduce the number of individuals needing to utilize it. She noted the intensified focus on palliative care brought about by the discussions surrounding this bill as a beneficial outcome, regardless of the outcome of the legislation itself.

Reflecting on recent financial support, health secretary Wes Streeting unveiled an additional £126 million in funding for hospices strained by rising costs associated with national insurance contributions. Moran conveyed her skepticism about claims from bill opponents asserting that a struggling palliative care system should halt progress on assisted dying legislation. “The state of palliative care in the UK is concerning, and further examination from the health and social care select committee is warranted,” she indicated.

However, she clarified that reforming palliative care should not hinge on the assisted dying bill’s fate, underscoring that enhancing palliative services remains a critical responsibility for the government. “While the bill has sparked essential discussions, it should not serve as a vehicle for fixing palliative care issues,” she articulated, urging for distinct focus and resolution from those in power.

Should the bill pass, Moran expects the committee to carefully study practical implications and gather insights on effectively enacting the proposed legislation, including formulating guidelines for patients and healthcare providers. She noted that specific implementation details would be managed by the National Health Service and relevant authorities after the legislation’s passage.

Moran defended the parliamentary process, expressing confidence in lawmakers’ ability to scrutinize the bill adequately. “It is essential that as legislators, we do not dismiss our capabilities. Relying solely on governmental directives could undermine our duty to represent the public’s needs,” she remarked.

While acknowledging concerns about the vulnerability of private members’ bills and potential interruptions to their progress, Moran emphasized the critical nature of the issue at hand. “Given the significance of this legislation, it’s essential to engage constructively, regardless of differing viewpoints,” she concluded.

Source
www.theguardian.com