Assisted Suicide Cost Analysis: Reviewing Streeting Orders

November 13, 2024 TruthUSA

The health secretary expressed concern about people choosing assisted dying to save money, stating, “I would hate for people to opt for assisted dying because they think they’re saving someone somewhere … money.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has initiated a review into the costs associated with implementing state-run assisted suicide.

Streeting, who has announced that he will vote against the Private Members’ Bill on assisted suicide later this month, also raised concerns about a “chilling slippery slope argument” if individuals feel pressured to end their lives to save money.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater introduced the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Tuesday, just three weeks before the scheduled vote on Nov. 29.

The health secretary mentioned that with the release of the bill’s wording, “I’ve tasked my department to assess the costs involved in providing a new service to facilitate assisted dying, as it is important to respect the will of Parliament regardless of personal beliefs or votes.”

He indicated that work is ongoing, and a date for the review of those figures is yet to be determined.

Saving Money

Streeting commented on this issue after addressing the NHS Providers conference in Liverpool, where he was asked about potential savings if individuals with terminal conditions choose assisted suicide over continued treatment.

The minister emphasized his worries about coercion and insufficient palliative care influencing individuals to opt for assisted suicide, stating that this raises concerns about a “slippery slope argument.”