Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide: Writing or Speaking to your Elected Representative

In England and Wales, Kim Leadbeater MP has introduced the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which would legalise assisted suicide for people in England and Wales with a ‘terminal illness’. At the time of writing the text of the Bill has not been made public so its scope is uncertain. It is due to be debated by MPs for its Second Reading on 29 November 2024.

In Ireland, Deputy Gino Kenny has introduced the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2024 which would legalise physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia for Irish citizens who are adults with a medical condition that is uncurable. There is no time for this Bill to be debated before a general election but it seems certain to be presented again and this is an issue to raise with candidates.

In Scotland, Liam McArthur MSP has introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill which would legalise physician-assisted suicide for residents in Scotland who are over 16 and have a ‘terminal illness’ (defined very broadly). The Bill is currently being examined by the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee. The best time to engage with MSPs will be after the report is published and when there is a date for a parliamentary debate.

All of these Bills are ‘Private Members’ Bills’, which means that they have been introduced by a single legislator and not the Government. Conventionally, such Bills are subject to a free vote and every elected representative may vote according to his or her individual conscience rather than be bound by Party commitments.

The Anscombe Centre encourages all citizens to contact the person who represents them in their national or devolved legislature to raise concerns about these Bills so that elected politicians can inform themselves by hearing from a range of people. Talking to them directly is often most effective, but writing will also be worthwhile also.

In speaking or writing it is always better to communicate based on experience, whether this be your own experience (as, for example, a healthcare professional, or a carer, or as someone living with illness or disability) or from the experience of a friend or family member.

There are many different reasons why someone might oppose the legalisation of assisted suicide or euthanasia and it is best to focus on the issue or issues that most concern you. It is a mistake to try to say everything rather than saying one or two things well. Other people will say other things.

In order to help support you in writing to or speaking to your MP, the Anscombe Centre has resources on different topics which provide evidence showing that people are right to be concerned. Please see our dedicated web page of Resources on ‘Assisted Dying’ (Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide).

Writing or speaking to your MP (UK)

Note that, while the Bill applies directly only to England and Wales, it would undoubtedly have a great impact on Scotland. Scottish MPs will have a vote on this Bill and so people in Scotland should also contact their MP about it.

Please do not write to an MP unless you live in their constituency. You can find out who your MP is and how to contact them by using this website.

Writing or speaking to your Deputy (Ireland)

You can find out who your Deputies are and how to contact them by finding your constituency here.

Writing or speaking to your MSP (Scotland)

You can find out who your constituency and regional MSPs are and how to contact them by using this website (put your postcode into the ‘Find MSPs by postcode’ search box).