Why I Support the Assisted Dying Bill: A Perspective on Harm Reduction and Individual Choice
Why I Support the Assisted Dying Bill: A Perspective on Harm Reduction and Individual Choice
This Government has a real opportunity to make a difference to ordinary people. At the heart of their decision making has to be the right to choose the life one wants to live. In the recent past we have Governments who want to make the decisions for people rather than ensuring people are supported to make informed choices. If I look at the field of drug use I am amazed how Governments feel they have a right to decide rather than provide quality information with regulation to encourage choice. The argument of those still on the side of prohibition is that give the people choices they will make the wrong ones. Yet when we consider cannabis the status of its illegality has brought much stronger and more potent varieties.
The religious card is used by some parliamentarians which is very dangerous. We do not live in a theocracy and although on a personal basis I cannot envisage using assisted dying or taking the drugs currently available that is down to my morale choices and not from someone elected to Westminster who wants to impose their moral views on others.
Assisted dying is a topic that has been at the forefront of many debates and discussions in recent years but those opposing it say there has not been enough time to discuss it. This is not a valid argument given we have had many years to review this idea. It is the case that any law can be tidied up but that is always the way people against change argue we need more time rather than be honest they want the right to run your life. When we look at changes to drug use reform it is we need more evidence that a drug consumption room would work, whilst denying us in Wales for example the right to run pilot projects. At the heart of the issue is the question of individual choice and the right to make decisions about one’s own life. I support the assisted dying bill because I believe that it is an important step towards harm reduction and the protection of individual autonomy.
The concept of harm reduction is based on the idea that people should be able to make choices about their own lives, even if those choices may involve some level of risk. Harm reduction recognises that people have the right to make decisions about their own health and well-being, and that it is the role of society to provide them with the tools and support they need to make those decisions safely.
In the context of assisted dying, harm reduction means providing people with the option to end their lives in a safe and dignified manner, under the care of medical professionals. This is a far better alternative to the current situation, where people may be forced to take matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences. And of course making people choose between the wellbeing of the person they love or breaking the law and being deemed as being murderers.
The assisted dying bill is an important step towards harm reduction because it recognizes the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives. It provides people with a safe and legal option to end their suffering, and it ensures that they have access to the support and care they need during this difficult time.
Ultimately, the assisted dying bill is about individual choice. It is about giving people the freedom to make decisions about their own lives, and it is about respecting their autonomy and dignity. I support the assisted dying bill because I believe that it is an important step towards harm reduction and the protection of individual rights.
Martin Blakebough, CEO of Kaleidoscope
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