Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly has reacted to the passage of the assisted suicide bill in Westminster which was supported by only one Northern MP, Colum Eastwood.
The East Derry rep said:
“This week, Westminster has removed the last protections for babies in the womb and now removed protections against the ending of human life in one fell swoop. Many will wonder what is happening to the Mother of All Parliaments.
This Bill would make it possible for terminally ill adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to choose assisted suicide
Despite serious concerns from the medical profession, palliative care specialists, and those facing the end of life, MPs moved the Bill to the Upper House today on its way to passage.
Amongst those who voted for the Bill – and the only MP from the North to do so was Colum Eastwood, who also voted to legalise abortion up to birth this week. Many in his Foyle constituency will be wondering where these two issues will feature in his next newsletter or election leaflet.
Indeed, many will be asking how someone whose party has trumpeted civil and human rights, in one week, has ridden roughshod over the most fundamental of those rights.
We are unequivocal about the right to life at all stages. Those coming to the end of their lives need to be able to access first-class palliative care, with as much support as possible to uphold their dignity. We are deeply concerned that many terminally ill people will now feel they are a burden to their loved ones in their last days. Efforts to introduce assisted suicide should instead be focused on ensuring investment in the health service.”
Note to Editor: All other MP’s from the North voted no, with Claire Hanna abstaining
