Campaigners urge MPs to vote down assisted dying bill over anorexia ‘loophole’
More than 250 eating disorder survivors urge rejection of assisted dying bill
- More than 250 people with eating disorders have signed a letter to MPs, warning that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill could be used by people with anorexia to end their lives.
- Campaigners argue that anorexia, while primarily a mental health condition, can lead to lethal physical symptoms, making it difficult to exclude from the assisted dying legislation.
- The term 'terminal anorexia' has raised concerns, with some medical experts suggesting those diagnosed with this condition should have access to medical aid in dying.
- Labour MP Richard Quigley, whose child has anorexia, expressed concerns that mental health care in the UK is inadequate to ensure the safe application of the assisted dying legislation.
- Labour MP Naz Shah is tabling amendments to exclude individuals who have voluntarily stopped eating or are taking action to bring about a terminal illness.