Some healthcare systems around the world give individuals with eating disorders the right to die, an alarming report has indicated.
Over the last 10 years, at least 60 people with an eating disorder have ended their lives in countries that permit assisted dying, according to shocking data.
The study has found that this has even occurred in some parts of the US, regardless of the regulations outlining that assisted dying is only possible after a diagnosis of terminal illness.
The House of Commons is set to discuss the issue after campaigners are urging the government to legalise assisted dying in the UK.
- Anxiety reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet
- Research: Ketogenic diet can ease symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
- Young people with type 1 diabetes 50% more likely to develop mood and anxiety disorder
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is allowing MPs to have a free vote on assisted dying after saying he was “personally committed” to the change.
Lord Falconer, Labour peer in the House of Lords, has created a plan which outlines that the right to die rule would only be permitted for individuals with a terminal illness and six months or less to live.
Chelsea Roff, lead author on the Assisted Death in Eating Disorders report, said: “Our study identified at least 60 cases where physicians helped patients with eating disorders to end their lives using lethal medications – including cases in the US.
- Appetite traits in childhood linked to eating disorders in teen years
- Keto diet can ease symptoms of severe bipolar disorder
- T1DE: ex-PM chairs inquiry into Type 1 Diabetes Disordered Eating
“These findings should set off alarm bells for MPs as this law may put some of the most vulnerable groups in our society – individuals with disabilities, eating disorders and other mental illnesses – at risk.”
Other countries which allowed people to end their life because of an eating disorder included the Netherlands and Belgium.
If Lord Falconer’s proposals were passed, practical measures would be introduced to assess eligibility, ensure rigorous medical oversight and monitor every part of the process.
