A mother battling terminal illness is calling on Members of Parliament to reintroduce the assisted dying bill, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. Hannah Slater, aged 38, made her plea following the recent Private Members’ Bill ballot, which potentially paves the way for the legislation’s comeback in Parliament. Diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to her brain and leptomeninges, Hannah, a mother of a three-year-old, received a devastating prognosis earlier this year, with doctors giving her just a few months to live.
Advocates are rallying MPs selected at the top of the ballot to consider championing the Bill and granting terminally ill individuals another opportunity to voice their concerns. Hannah, a former Policy and Campaigns professional from Bristol, expressed her frustration at the slow progress of political decision-making, noting the critical importance of having a say in one’s end-of-life care and the level of suffering endured.
Having faced opposition in the House of Lords that halted the Bill’s advancement, Hannah emphasized the significance of reclaiming the right to make personal choices regarding her life and potential end-of-life scenarios. Despite her strong desire to continue living for her child and loved ones, Hannah stressed the necessity of having options available when quality of life deteriorates to an unbearable extent.
Recounting her medical journey, Hannah shared her initial breast cancer diagnosis during her son’s infancy, a brief remission period followed by the shocking discovery of brain cancer and leptomeningeal disease. The uncertainty of her future health, including the potential loss of vision and other neurological challenges, has underscored the importance of assisted dying legislation for her and others in similar situations.
Supporters of the bill are optimistic about its revival, as supportive MPs drawn in the recent ballot, including those who previously backed the legislation, have the opportunity to reintroduce it. Dr. Richard Osborne, Medical Director at My Death, My Decision, emphasized the human aspect of the issue, urging MPs not to overlook the chance to provide terminally ill individuals like Hannah with the choice, control, and dignity they deserve.
While the path for the bill’s return is not yet certain, proponents are calling on elected officials to act promptly and fulfill their commitment to addressing the pressing needs of individuals facing terminal illnesses. Public opinion surveys indicate strong and consistent support for assisted dying reforms, reflecting a widespread belief in the importance of revisiting and passing the legislation if obstructed previously.
