ASSISTED SUICIDE IN WASHINGTON STATE

Early day motion 86, tabled 12 June 2014 by Fiona Bruce (Conservative). Signed by 32 members.

That this House notes the results of the Washington State Death With Dignity Act Report, 2013, published on 10 June 2014 which concludes that the number of deaths through physician-assisted suicide has tripled since the first year of implementation and increased by 43 per cent between 2012 and 2013; expresses grave concern that 61 per cent of those who received lethal drugs in Washington in 2013 gave as a reason for seeking assisted suicide being a burden on family, friends or caregivers; recalls that those who introduced the law in Washington assured the public that it would only apply to terminally ill, mentally competent patients; and reiterates its belief that a corresponding change in UK law would endanger the lives of the most vulnerable in society.

Signatures by party: Conservative 12, Labour 10, DUP 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Liberal Democrat 2.