To say assisted death is a controversial issue borders on being a major understatement. Having the power to take the life of another human being is not a thing to be taken lightly, after all.
Popular opinion regarding assisted deaths is having a perceptible shift, and doctors are actively clamoring for the right to end the life of their terminally ill patients without having to fear any legal repercussion. A poll shows that Members of Parliament tend to agree, and are giving their assent.
A great majority of the MP’s support the new legislation to make the change that many consider to be just in time. Consultations for draft guidelines have been going on to address the issue. Orders have already been given to the Director of Public Prosecutions to provide clear guidelines.
The present law does not provide enough clarity and is considered as tantamount to violation of human rights. Doctors do not currently enjoy protection from legal complications and only a list of what could help against possible prosecution is provided. Finalised guidelines would only be available by March.
For their part, The British Medical Association (BMA) is hoping for a more detailed clarification of the extent assisted death could be administered. The association is concerned about the position that General Practitioners would have to take when confronted with the issue. What is actually ironic is the BMA’s own disapproval of assisted deaths.
Over a decade has passed since the last time MP’s had to vote about this issue. In 1997, an overwhelming majority voted to oppose doctors’ having anything to do with a patient’s death. Today, the opinion of both doctors and MP’s seems to be finally shifting.
