Advancement of the Assisted Dying Bill signifies a sympathetic stride, yet lawmakers should strengthen security measures to ensure genuine respect and autonomy in end-of-life decisions
The United Kingdom is grappling with a growing crisis of loneliness, a problem so profound that it warranted the appointment of the world's first Minister for Loneliness in 2018. This issue, often overlooked, has come to the forefront of national discussions, with calls for action to address it.
One proposed solution is the expansion of social prescribing, a practice that connects individuals to community groups, nature, the arts, or exercise, to avoid long waits for support. This approach, pioneered by the NHS, has shown positive results in fostering social connections and improving mental health.
However, another pressing issue facing the UK is the debate over assisted dying. Members of Parliament have already made the decision to allow assisted dying, a move that marks a significant change in Britain's moral and legal framework since the abolition of capital punishment. The Assisted Dying Bill is currently being debated in the House of Lords, with the establishment of a Select Committee to examine safeguards, legal implementation, and practical oversight.
Key figures in this debate include Lord Falconer of Thoroton, the bill's sponsor in the Lords, and Baroness Berger, who tabled an amendment to establish the Select Committee. Over 160 peers from across political parties are involved in the discussion, with organizations such as Humanists UK, My Death, My Decision, Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, and End of Life Choices Jersey lending their support.
Lack of belonging can lead to increased loneliness and despair, a concern that demands more scrutiny in the context of assisted dying. Kim Samuel, founder of the Belonging Forum and a long-time campaigner for disability rights, is advocating for ensuring people are choosing assisted dying in the presence of connection, not the absence of it.
The Royal College of Physicians has raised concerns about the bill, including a lack of clarity on implementation, reliance on non-binding codes of practice, and the absence of provisions for reliable recording and investigation of medically assisted deaths.
Parliament, if it proceeds with assisted dying, should prioritize a national mission to strengthen belonging. The Belonging Barometer, an annual survey of 10,000 UK adults, shows a correlation between feelings of belonging and health, resilience, and civic trust. Investment in community infrastructure is necessary for relationship formation, addressing the demand for belonging that far outpaces supply.
Social isolation is a concern that demands more attention. Despite efforts to combat loneliness, it remains a significant issue for various groups such as young carers, disabled people, bereaved men, and older adults living alone. The cases of those who have qualified for medical assistance in dying due to unmet social needs, such as isolation, poverty, or fear of homelessness, underscore the importance of addressing social disconnection to prevent some people from feeling pushed towards a fatal choice.
Peers are tasked with ensuring the law's safeguards are strong, detailed, and humane. As the debate continues, it is crucial to remember that social connection should be embedded into the clinical pathway and that a national focus on strengthening belonging is necessary to combat the twin crises of loneliness and assisted dying in the UK.
