First off, let me start by saying that I am decidedly NOT a journalist. The following is simply my personal observations and opinions as I continue to learn more about life in the UK and how it all works. (AND...For the record, the official title of the bill is the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.) A month or so ago it was brought to my attention that the UK government is considering a bill that would make assisted dying legal. This struck me as incredibly odd simply because I never thought I’d live to see the day when something would be considered. If Caitlin Doughty (and the wider Order of the Good Death community) has taught me anything, it’s that we as a society are terrified of death and – more importantly – talking about death. I know that the UK is not as inherently Christian as the United States, but even still…this seemed like a huge leap to undertake and I incorrectly assumed that the bill would be dead on arrival (pun intended). In the consequent weeks since first hearing about it, I have learned that several other countries already have laws on asssited dying/assisted suicide/euthenasia (more on the issue of word choice later) including Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain and Austria. Not to mention Oregon in the fricken United States! (If it were to be anywhere, it would be Oregon.) I then found out that the second reading of the bill was to take place on November 29th and that one could attend the debate. Given that I was going to be in the general direction of London, anyway, for a lovely Friends-Giving party, I figured I should go and check it out. On the morning of Friday, November 29th I awoke to find I had missed my alarm. I’d wanted to get up early so I could be in line as soon as possible, assuming that the debate would be well-attended. That and the fact that I had put in a rather poor night’s sleep, I considered not going. But the thrill of adventure plus the fear of missing out got me up and out the door. And I’m so glad that I went! First and foremost, The Palace of Westminster is incredibly beautiful and (as the name suggests) a palace. After going through security, you enter into this massive receiving hall that’s lined with stained glass windows and gorgeous paintings. Immediately, you feel small and overtaken by the majesty and history. Furthermore, it was insanely interesting to A) be a part of a piece of history and B) to just be there in the room where it happens (Hamilton reference intended). Getting to actually hear the back and forth discussion and see first hand how the government in this system works, especially compared to back home, was fascinating. Because I was running late, I didn’t stop for breakfast so I really only stuck around for three of the five hours, but I grabbed lunch in the building and was onsite when the results of the vote was announced. That being said, here are some of my key takeaways, questions, and observations from the experience. Again: not a journalist. I failed to get everyone’s name and failed to be totally objective. Please don’t look at this and say, “I got my information from Deanna!” I am not a reputable news source, just a young lady with a blog. (I have some links below to actual news outlets so go check them out and support journalists!) The bill (in short)
Observations/Learning about parliament/Misc.
Let’s talk palliative care (taking care of someone who has a terminal illness or is dying)
The following are pros and cons of issue of assisted death/assisted suicide (and, specifically looking at the issue now), not on the bill itself. Cons (as stated by the opposition)
Pros (as stated by the government)
Questions/parts of the bill
Quotes
Personal views/opinions
Links to actual articles, etc.UK Parliament: Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) BillBBC: Assisted dying bill: What is in proposed law?The Guardian: MPs back landmark bill to legalise assisted dying in England and WalesWant to support me? (You're too kind!)
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