The MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe has said he will be voting in favour of the End of Life Bill when it comes to Parliament.
Ahead of the parliamentary vote on the End of Life Bill on November 29, MP David Chadwick has said he will be voting in favour of the proposal, which he called a “deeply emotive subject”.
The bill proposes that adults with a terminal illness who are expected to die within six months be eligible for an assisted death, providing that two doctors and a High Court judge have verified that they are eligible and have made their decision voluntarily.
Mr Chadwick said: “I have decided to cast my free vote in favour of Assisted Dying. This is not a decision I came to lightly and I recognise that it is a complex and sensitive topic.
“My decision has been shaped by several factors, including the heartbreaking stories sent to me of loved ones suffering through terminal illnesses before their lives finally ended and my personal experience of having lived in the Netherlands where euthanasia, under certain conditions, has been legal since 2002.
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“The law in the UK should be changed to legalise assisted dying as a choice for terminally ill, mentally competent adults, with strong safeguards to make sure that it only happens if someone has made a genuinely voluntary, clear, settled and informed choice to end their life.
“People with terminal illnesses deserve to live and die with as much dignity and control as possible. I believe it is wrong that the current law denies people who are terminally ill dignity and choice at the end of their lives and potentially criminalises family members who support their loved one’s final wish.”
The Mid Wales MP added that Liberal Democrat MP’s do not have to vote along party lines, noting that despite the party being in favour of the bill, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has said he will be voting against it.
He added: “This bill is not in any way a replacement for high-quality, properly resourced palliative care. We must ensure that carers offering care for the terminally ill are better supported.
READ MORE: Powys MP says he will vote in favour of assisted dying bill
“Coming from a Roman Catholic family, I understand the Catholic Church’s position on assisted dying and I am sure similar religious beliefs have helped shape the opinions of those against the Bill. Faith is deeply personal and interpreted in many different ways.
“As a nation of many religions and none, it would be wrong for this debate to be guided solely by the religious beliefs of MPs.
“It is a longstanding Liberal belief that when possible, power rests better in the hands of the individual, not the state.
“I want to thank everyone who has contacted me about this vote, from every side of the debate. Despite passionate beliefs on both sides, the debate has been remarkably well-natured. Although they may disagree, both sides are advocating their position with compassion and good intentions.”
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