Assisted dying is a complex, multi-layered issue that requires a host of other factors to be considered. Emotions can often run high amongst both pro-life campaigners and those in favour of assisted dying. It is unlikely that both sides will be happy as legislation passes through Parliament.

However, it is important for lawmakers to consider all the different aspects of healthcare that could be impacted by legalising assisted dying.

There are already valid concerns within parts of the NHS about what it could mean for palliative care.

The overarching argument of the campaign for assisted dying is compassion. If assisted dying becomes a convenient excuse for cutting corners on palliative care then that takes us far from becoming a more compassionate society.

Pro-assisted dying campaigners outside the Houses of Parliament. PIC: Aaron Chown/PA Wire

placeholder image — Pro-assisted dying campaigners outside the Houses of Parliament. PIC: Aaron Chown/PA Wire

Concerns raised today by psychiatrists across North Yorkshire that assisted dying legislation could undermine principles of mental health care also need to be addressed.

The country is facing a mental health crisis and there are far too many people losing their lives to suicide, 5,717 suicides were registered in 2024. Not all of these lives lost will be related to terminal illness. Preventing suicide is at the "core ethos" of mental health provision and rightly so.

Clarity is of the utmost importance when it comes to where assisted dying legislation would sit next to suicide prevention. Any ambiguity over language in the proposed legislation needs to be removed.

More than three dozen senior NHS psychiatrists across North Yorkshire and County Durham have signed a letter echoing concerns raised by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) earlier this year around terminology, delivery and expectations.

It is very important that MPs get the legislation right.