Table of Contents
- 1 The first former prime minister to approve… “We will meaningfully reduce human suffering.”
- 2 House vote on bill to legalize assisted dying on the 29th… Opponents say it will lead to industrialization
- 3 **What counter-arguments does Mr. Cameron offer to concerns about the potential for abuse and the “slippery slope” argument often raised against assisted dying legislation?**
The first former prime minister to approve… “We will meaningfully reduce human suffering.”
House vote on bill to legalize assisted dying on the 29th… Opponents say it will lead to industrialization
David Cameron, former British Prime Minister
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(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Shinyoung Lee = With the British House of Commons scheduled to vote on a bill to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill patients on the 29th (local time), former Prime Minister David Cameron has publicly expressed his support.
Former Prime Minister Cameron expressed his support for the legalization of assisted dying in an article in the British daily The Times on the 27th.
In his contribution, former Prime Minister Cameron confessed that he had opposed the bill in the past due to concerns that vulnerable people could be pressured into rushing to death.
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However, he explained that he changed his position because he was convinced that discussions on this issue had been active recently and that strong safety measures could be added to protect the most vulnerable while reflecting the cases of other countries.
Former Prime Minister Cameron decided in favor of asking himself questions such as whether there were sufficient safety measures, whether there was a risk of abuse, whether there was unnecessary pressure on the National Health Service (NHS), and whether human suffering could be meaningfully reduced. He said he did.
This means that as a result of asking ourselves the question, we decided to support the currently proposed bill because we judged that it allows assisted dying only within a relatively narrow scope and has safety measures in place, such as strengthening judicial supervision.
“When we know that there is no cure, when we know that death is imminent, when patients are entering their final period of extreme suffering, if they can and want to prevent this suffering, we need to give patients the choice.” “The assisted dying bill,” he said, “is not about ending life, but hastening death.”
He then urged his fellow lawmakers to pay attention to the content of the bill rather than getting caught up in procedural arguments, emphasizing, “If this law passes the House, the Senate will vote in favor.” Former Prime Minister Cameron is also a current senator.
Poster supporting assisted dying bill hung in London Underground station
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The Assisted Dying Bill proposed in the House of Commons in the UK would allow patients who are terminally ill and have less than six months to live to die with medical assistance.
It is different from euthanasia because it requires approval from two doctors and a judge and requires the patient to administer the medication directly.
Cameron is the first former British prime minister to express his support for the bill.
Other former prime ministers, including Gordon Brown, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, are all opposed to the bill.
In particular, former Prime Minister Johnson is criticizing the bill, saying it could lead to the industrialization of state-supported assisted dying.
With a vote in the House of Representatives scheduled to take place on the 29th, a survey conducted by The Times showed that more people were in favor.
As a result of the survey, 264 House members said they would vote in favor, while 215 voted against.
There were 26 people who responded that they would abstain, and about 150 House members who had not yet decided on their position or expressed their opinion.
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2024/11/28 16:06 Sent
**What counter-arguments does Mr. Cameron offer to concerns about the potential for abuse and the “slippery slope” argument often raised against assisted dying legislation?**
## World Today News Interview: Cameron on Assisted Dying
**World Today News:** Former Prime Minister David Cameron surprised many by recently voicing his support for legalizing assisted dying in the UK. Today, we have the honor of speaking with Mr. Cameron about his change of heart and the implications of this crucial debate.
**David Cameron:** Thank you for having me. This is a deeply personal and complex issue, and I believe it’s important to have open and honest conversations about it.
**WTN:** You have previously opposed assisted dying. What prompted this shift in your position?
**DC:** As you rightly pointed out, I had reservations in the past. My main concern was protecting the vulnerable, ensuring they wouldn’t feel pressured into ending their lives prematurely. However, after careful consideration and reviewing the robust safeguards present in this bill, I’ve become convinced that we can responsibly allow terminally ill individuals the choice to avoid prolonged suffering.
**WTN:** The bill requires stringent conditions, including approval from two doctors and a judge. Do you believe these safeguards are sufficient?
**DC:** Absolutely. These measures are crucial to prevent abuse and ensure that assisted dying remains a last resort for those facing unbearable suffering at the end of their lives.
**WTN:** Critics argue that legalizing assisted dying could lead to a “slippery slope,” potentially devaluing life and opening the door to abuse. How do you respond to these concerns?
**DC:** I understand these anxieties. But we mustn’t confuse compassion with recklessness. This bill is narrowly focused on terminally ill adults with a clear prognosis and a limited time left. It offers them dignity and control over their final days, something many crave in the face of relentless pain.
**WTN:** What message do you have for your fellow lawmakers as this bill comes before the House of Commons?
**DC:** I urge them to put aside political maneuvering and focus on the humanity at the heart of this debate. Let’s prioritize compassion and individual choice. By carefully considering the facts and listening to the voices of those directly affected, we can make a responsible and humane decision.
**WTN:** Thank you, Mr. Cameron, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
**DC:** My pleasure. I truly believe this is a conversation we must have as a society, and I’m hopeful that we can reach a compassionate and just solution.
