MP speaks on assisted death (From Thurrock Gazette)

MP speaks on assisted death

7:30am Monday 9th April 2012 in News

EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe gave an emotional speech about assisted death during a House of Commons debate.

He told his colleagues that as a “committed Christian” he “believes strongly in the sanctity of human life”.

However, he described how the experiences of one of his friends had made him re-evaluate his beliefs.

Mr Metcalfe said: “I have a very good friend called Nicky, whom I have known for 30 years. During that time, Nicky has developed secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Although at this point it is not terminal, at some point it will be. For many years, Nicky has expressed the view that in the future she will want the right to choose the time and manner of her death. She wants dignity in dying.”

Mr Metcalfe added he believes the current guidelines go far enough to ensure someone assisting a suicide out of love would not be prosecuted.

He added: “I know if she were to take her own life, with the assistance of her husband David, she would be doing so of her own free will. I would be able to vouch for David and say his only motivation was compassion.”