A number of Oxfordshire MPs have spoken out on a proposed law to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults.
The Bill - called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - was introduced in Parliament on July 26.
MPs are due to debate and vote on the bill on November 29, however further debates and votes would be needed before the bill becomes law.
The Bill would make it legal for over-18s who are terminally ill to be given assistance to end their own life.
We asked Oxfordshire MPs to share their thoughts on the Bill and how they intend on voting at the end of the month.
Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said: “I support the principle that people should have choice over all aspects of their own life, including the manner of their passing.
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"I have been reassured that Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill includes the strictest safeguards of any nation which has legalised assisted dying.
Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon “However, very important concerns have been raised about palliative care and funding for hospices. As the chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee this issue remains deeply concerning.
“I intend to support the Bill at second reading, but will be challenging the department to ensure people have a real choice at the end of life. I don’t believe this is an either/or, we should be able to do both.”
Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP for Woodstock and Bicester, said: “This is a very important piece of legislation so I understand why many constituents have written to me about it.
"But the bill must get the right balance between the rights of terminally-ill individuals and safeguards for potentially vulnerable individuals and for medical professionals.
"During the campaign, I engaged with some local charities and local residents on the topic.
"Now we have the draft bill, I am meeting with charities, hospices and medical clinicians and reading the opinions of my constituents.
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"Their input will help shape my decision on how to vote.”
Sean Woodcock, Labour MP for Banbury, has publicly said he is undecided on which way he will vote.
He said he has considered arguments for and against, adding: "But ending your own life should remain difficult, not the easy option and not encouraged by the state.
"The reality is that it is something that across the board the state actively tries to prevent from happening and perhaps we should look at and improve end of life and palliative care before resorting to legislation for assisted dying."
We have contacted the other Oxfordshire MPs for comment.
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