More than 250 eating disorder survivors urge rejection of assisted dying bill

PoliticsHealth & Fitness
12 Jun 2025 • 8:12 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • 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.

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