{
  "id": 6602674,
  "title": "My plea to MPs: this is the final chance to save the assisted dying bill. Make your mark on history | Polly Toynbee",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/my-plea-to-mps-this-is-the-final-chance-to-save-the-assisted-dying",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-10T14:20:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Guardian Health",
    "slug": "guardian-health",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/10/assisted-dying-bill-mps-final-chance-make-history"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dear MPs, this is your last opportunity to leave a lasting mark on history as we stand at the precipice of a pivotal decision regarding the assisted dying bill. It is of utmost importance that you recognize the immense suffering that countless terminally ill individuals endure, and that it is within your power to alleviate their anguish. The public firmly supports this cause, and it is high time that you follow suit.\n\nAs we have witnessed time and again, Labour-majority eras have brought about progressive freedoms that have shaped our society for the better. From abortion and capital punishment to divorce, gay rights, racial discrimination, gender equality, and most recently, civil partnerships, the Labour legacy has been one of empowering individuals and granting them the autonomy to make choices that affect their lives. However, there remains one area where this progressive spirit has yet to reach: the freedom of the dying to determine when their time has come.\n\nThe terminally ill adults (end of life) bill, set to be voted upon in the Commons tomorrow, would provide anyone who is dying with the right to request and receive assistance in ending their lives. If this bill does not secure passage, the consequences will be far-reaching, as future parliaments may lack the same level of progressive reform. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that you attend the vote and cast your vote in favor of Lauren Edwards's bill, ensuring that this Labour era is remembered for another great social-reforming milestone.\n\nYour actions today will determine the legacy of this era – one that is either progressive and empowering, or one that condones needless suffering. Please, MPs, turn up and make the right choice.",
  "summary": "Any MP not voting for it on Friday will condemn thousands of us to die in agony. The public is hugely in favour too, so do the right thing Once in a while, footsoldiers of the House of Commons, you are able to make history by leaving your own indelible footprints on the social fabric. Eras with a Labour majority always leave a legacy of progressive freedoms – whether on abortion, capital…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Guardian Health",
        "title": "MPs recount personal experiences as they debate assisted dying bill – video",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/mps-recount-personal-experiences-as-they-debate-assisted-dying-bill",
        "published": "2026-09-11T12:57:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}