Lowestoft MP Jess Asato hosts meeting on 'Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill'
It took place at the Players Theatre in Lowestoft, with hopes of bringing together local constituents to share their views.
Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft, has hosted a public meeting to discuss the ‘Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill’.
It took place at the Players Theatre in Lowestoft, with hopes of bringing together local constituents to share their views, hear perspectives from all sides, and participate in an open discussion on the subject.
Jess Asato organised the public meeting as part of her commitment to listening to the community on complex and sensitive issues. “ The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill has sparked considerable debate across the country, and I want to ensure my constituents have the opportunity to voice their views,”
Asato stated. “This is a deeply personal and ethical matter, and I am committed to hearing from the people of Lowestoft and surrounding areas as we consider the impact of potential legislative changes.”
The event included presentations from speakers with a range of perspectives on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Bill, followed by a Q&A session.
During the debate members of the public shared heartbreaking stories of their own experiences where they would have liked assisted dying to be an option for their loved ones.
Other people revealed that they did not support the bill and some people wanted to see more investment into palliative care.
We asked Jess how she felt hearing what everyone had to say.
"C;early there are a lot of people who have experienced family members in pain at the end of their life at both sides of the argument and it's a really difficult discussion.
"People don't like talking about death and how do we make sure more people don't experience pain and difficulties at the end of their life?
She told us that listening to her constituents experiences and how raw and emotional they were was useful but that she also has to think about the exceptions as well.
"That's what you've got to do as a member of parliament is to remember that we aren't all the same person.
"We don't all have loving families, we aren't all in a situation where we might have the freedom to choose and I have to weigh up the arguments of vulnerable people and make sure that I am listening to everybody in this discussion."
She told us she hasn't yet made a decision on how she will vote but intends to do a lot more research until the 29th of November 2024 when each MP puts their choice forward.
But one thing she is certain on, is that the government needs to take proactive action in improve the quality of palliative care that's available for people in the country.
"The fact that so many of our hospices rely on jumble sales and cake sales is absurd, its awful.
"Palliative care should be the same as any other care on the NHS. You should be allowed it and you should be given the very best."
"Whatever happens with this bill we absolutely have to invest in Palliative care .
"If anything I hope this whole conversation puts a spotlight on getting palliative care right in our country."