Call to fix palliative care before assisted dying

A man with a terminal brain condition has said the government needs to fix the UK's palliative care system first before legislating assisted dying.

Matt Saunders, 49, from Cornwall, was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare condition which causes gradual damage to nerve cells in the brain, in 2022.

Mr Saunders, who said his condition gave him a life expectancy of six to 12 years, has criticised the government's "rushed" Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, emphasising the need for public debate and proper consultation.

MPs voted in favour of the bill to legalise assisted dying after an emotional debate in the House of Commons earlier.

Mr Saunders said: "Whilst I'm not against the concept of assisted dying I truly think this bill is an absolute travesty and should not be brought before Parliament.

"I think once we have fixed palliative care within the NHS, and once we fixed social care in general, then and only then can we begin to have this debate."

The former lawyer is unable to work because of his condition and has just moved into supported accommodation.

"For all MSA patients, there is no way to even slow it down or treat it, and there's certainly no cure," he said.

The bill covers England and Wales only, and proposes terminally ill adults with less than six months to live who have a settled wish to die should have the option to do so.

It will go to committee stage where MPs can table amendments, before facing further scrutiny and votes in the Commons and the House of Lords.

This means any change in the law would not be agreed until next year at the earliest.

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