EUTHANASIA

Early day motion 315, tabled 29 July 1997 by Marion Roe (Conservative). Signed by 71 members.

That this House welcomes the unanimous (9-0) decision by the Supreme Court of the United States of America to reject physician assisted suicide; agrees with Chief Justice Rehnquist that 'all civilised nations demonstrate their commitment to life' and that 'doctor assisted suicide has no place in our nation's traditions, given the country's consistent, almost universal and continuing rejection of it'; furthermore notes the 'overwhelming' rejection of euthanasia by representatives at the British Medical Association's annual conference in Edinburgh; and calls on the Government to continue with the policy of its predecessor in opposing the efforts of the vociferous few who would wish to legalise euthanasia either directly or through legally binding advance directives, living wills.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Conservative 19, Liberal Democrat 10, Labour/Co-operative 3, UUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.