Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Shockat Adam Excerpts

Friday 16th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[Kim Leadbeater]

I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has a neutral position on the issue of assisted dying. If we refer to the impact—[Interruption.] Yes, it does.

[Shockat Adam (Leicester South) (Ind)]

Will the hon. Lady give way?

--- Later in debate ---

[Dr Shastri-Hurst]

I will make some progress, if I may. The point is that people cannot have a fully informed discussion and weigh up the balance of the decision if they do not know the full options available to them. That is a part of informed consent.

[Shockat Adam]

Will the hon. Member give way?

[Dr Shastri-Hurst]

I will make a little progress, if I may.

In respect of new clause 2, those who have had the privilege of meeting a young person living with a terminal illness will know that they often display a maturity and a depth of understanding far beyond their years. To deny them the opportunity of a considered conversation about their future upon reaching adulthood is not an act of compassion, in my view; it is to abandon them. It is to leave them isolated, navigating a complex and deeply personal journey through the filter of online forums, rather than in dialogue with trusted, qualified professionals. We owe them better than that.