Liverpool Humanists have voiced their support for the assisted dying bill for the terminally ill, which MPs voted for last week.
The bill will allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life.
Kristiaan D’Aout, a senior lecturer at the University of Liverpool, is a member of Liverpool Humanists, a subsidiary of Humanists UK. The charity promotes secular humanism and has been lobbying in favour of assisted dying.
Kris said: “I’m always in favour of any law that improves people’s lives and their fundamental self determination.”
Originally from Belgium, in his home country laws go beyond assisted dying and into the further step of euthanasia (which is not being discussed yet in the UK).
He said: “I’m from a country where euthanasia is legal. I actually have personal experience with this. My father died a few years ago from euthanasia.
“He was terminally ill and suffering a lot and was able to die on his own terms, he was fully aware and it was a great comfort to him to have euthanasia.
“It made it easier for us to deal with his death because we knew it was on his terms.”
Kris added: “It would give me comfort in my life that if I became very ill I would have the option. There is a fundamental right for people to self determine.”
The bill was passed with 330 votes in favour and 275 against. Dianne Abbott, who voted against the bill, said it was due to concerns that vulnerable people will “get swept up in the assisted dying route”.
The bill will now go to the committee stage, before a final vote in the House of Commons next year which will enshrine it into law.
Featured image (c) Humanists UK
