Right to die ‘granted to people with eating disorders’, shocking report claims – and ‘at least 60 people have taken their own lives in the last decade’
- For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit samaritans.org
Doctors abroad are allowing people with eating disorders to end their lives, according to a shocking report.
The study found that at least 60 people with eating disorders, such as anorexia, have taken their own lives in the past decade in countries where euthanasia is legal.
That included parts of the US, researchers said, even though euthanasia there is only allowed after a diagnosis of a terminal illness.
The warnings come amid growing calls for euthanasia to be legalised in the country, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying he would give the House of Commons time to debate the issue.
Earlier this year he said he was “personally” committed to change, telling campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, who has terminal lung cancer, that he would give MPs a free vote.
Shocking report claims doctors in the US, Belgium and the Netherlands are allowing people with eating disorders to end their lives (stock image)
The warnings come amid growing momentum to legalise euthanasia in this country, after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen (pictured right in 2020) – who has terminal lung cancer – that he would give MPs a free vote on the matter.
Labour MP Lord Falconer has unveiled his own proposals which would restrict the right to die to people with a terminal illness and who have six months or less to live. Campaign group Dignity In Dying said Lord Falconer’s proposals said ‘safety is woven into’ his bill.
Labour’s leading politician Lord Falconer has already set out his own detailed proposals that would restrict the right to die to people with a terminal illness and who have six months or less to live.
But last night, Chelsea Roff, an eating disorder expert and lead author of the report on euthanasia in eating disorders, expressed concern that the new law could be abused.
She told the MoS: ‘Our investigation identified at least 60 cases where doctors helped patients with eating disorders end their lives using lethal drugs – including cases in the US.
‘These findings should raise alarm bells for MPs as this law could pose a risk to some of the most vulnerable groups in our society – people with disabilities, eating disorders and other mental health conditions.’
In her report she found that there were at least three cases in the US, 22 in Belgium and more than 30 cases in the Netherlands where an eating disorder was given as the main reason for a request for euthanasia.
However, campaign group Dignity In Dying said Lord Falconer’s proposals would prevent that.
Chief Executive Sarah Wootton said: ‘Safety is woven into this law, which introduces practical measures to assess suitability, ensure strict medical supervision and monitor every part of the process.’
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit samaritans.org