BBCThe question of whether terminally-ill people should have the right to end their lives is dividing MPs as they consider a proposed law to legalise assisted dying.If passed, the landmark bill would offer this choice to those who are expected to die within six months – provided their decision is approved by doctors.They would need to be satisfied that a patient’s choice has been made without pressure or coercion. But the debate has raised questions about how terminally-ill people could be safeguarded and coercion avoided – with criticism of the proposal coming from both Labour and Conservative politicians.BBC News has spoken to two people who have terminal conditions, Elise Burns, who supports assisted dying, and Nik Ward, who hopes the bill does not pass. Nik has motor neurone disease, and says he probably would have chosen assisted dying three years ago if it had been legal.The 53-year-old has been told for the past five years that he is terminally ill and knows he could die tomorrow by choking on food or on his own saliva.”I prided myself on my health and fitness,” says Nik, who now uses a motorised wheelchair and breathing apparatus.”Twenty years ago, if you were to say to me that I’d be in a wheelchair, I’d be like ‘Nah mate, it’s all right. I’d rather go.'”Now Nik says his attitude to life – and death – has changed and he is grateful to have seen his children grow up. His eldest daughter is engaged to be married.Under the proposed law, Nik is concerned that other people suffering terminal illnesses would choose an assisted death and miss out on the joys that more life could bring – even if they are less physically able.The private members’ bill was put forward by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater but the deeply sensitive nature of this issue has split politicians in all major parties.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised his party will be allowed to vote freely with their conscience.Many people living with terminal illnesses have said the bill offers them hope that they may not have to experience a painful or prolonged death.Elise Burns lives in constant pain due to terminal breast cancer that has spread to her bones, lungs and liver. She has been told she might have only two years to live.The 50-year-old relies on two different forms of morphine and a high-strength co-codamol to manage the pain. Some days “they don’t touch the sides”, leaving her barely able to move.The pain is worst in her thigh, where she had a metal rod inserted after cancer rotted her femur.Elise says the pain will only get worse as her body becomes more tolerant of painkillers – making them less effective.”I’m not scared to die but I am scared of a bad death – a long, drawn-out, brutal, horrific death. That terrifies me.”There has been particular concern among critics of the bill about how people who have been left vulnerable by life-threatening illness will be safeguarded.Some believe the existence of assisted dying legislation could create an implicit pressure on terminally-ill people – even if no-one is actively trying to coerce them.Nik describes this possibility as a “very subtle but very in …
