VOLUNTARY EUTHANASIA

Early day motion 462, tabled 14 November 1997 by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 20 members.

That this House welcomes the recent vote in Oregon which confirmed the law legitimising physician-assisted suicide by a margin of three to two; notes that this is the second time the issue has been put to the voters of Oregon and the second time that it has been supported; furthermore notes that this vote is in line with the recent decision by the United States Supreme Court which rules that it was for individual US states to decide their policy with regard to physician-assisted suicide; agrees that, when asked directly, people want choice in dying despite what their political or religious leaders may state; realises that the rejection of legislating physician-assisted suicide by the British Medical Association at its recent conference was 'for the time being'; and calls on the Government to bring forth legislation which will allow doctors to legally help terminally ill and suffering patients to hasten their death.

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 5, Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.