Assisted Dying Bill will harm disabled rights

SIR – We are from different political backgrounds but are united in our opposition to the attempt to change the law on assisted dying.

Baroness Meacher’s Bill would disproportionately threaten disabled people, question the value of our lives and suggest that assisted suicide is an option we “should” be considering.

Rights groups have long been concerned about pressure being put on disabled people to end their lives prematurely for fear of being a personal or financial burden on loved ones.

The legal, medical and social implications of the Bill for disabled people are enormous. They need to know that doctors are obliged to do all they can to help everyone to live a good life. The current law keeps unconscious discrimination and social bias towards disabled people in check.

Supporters of the Bill neglect to mention that none of the leading disability rights groups support a change in the law. Given Covid’s disproportionate impact on disabled people – 60 per cent of deaths – it is crucial that protection is strengthened.

This Bill would weaken it, with fatal unintended consequences. We urge our colleagues to oppose the Bill. Baroness Campbell of Surbiton (Crossbench)

Baroness Grey-thompson (Crossbench)

Lord Shinkwin (Con)

London SW1

SIR – It would be strange if Charles Moore (Comment, October 18) was not an ardent opponent of assisted dying; his Catholicism dictates that. But he must surely accept that others have the right to an opposing opinion, and to be in favour of it just as passionately.

This is a moral debate, not a medical one, and the real question is why his views should be imposed on the great majority, rather than disagreed with but accepted.

I want to die with my head held high and with dignity, not a helpless dependent. My life, my death, my choice. I have seen enough “bad” deaths to be certain of that.

Dr Tim Howard

Wimborne, Dorset