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In 2019, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) planned to conduct a ‘call for evidence’ on assisted dying, but the plans were abandoned. But now, four years later, Humanists UK is publishing the consultation paper for the first time. It obtained it through the Freedom of Information Act, and after the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) ordered the MoJ to deliver the paper after deciding that Humanists UK’s request was incorrectly refused.

Humanists UK recently welcomed the launch of the Health and Social Care Committee’s inquiry on assisted dying. It hopes the inquiry will listen to the voices of dying people, and take into account the enormous weight of international evidence that supports assisted dying. A citizens’ jury has recently concluded in Jersey, and another is just starting in France. A consultation on a Bill in Scotland has concluded.

In 2019, the former Secretary of State for Justice, David Gauke, instructed the Ministry of Justice to draft the paper to better inform parliamentary debate. The paper called for evidence about the positive and negative impacts of the current law in England and Wales, and asked for evidence from other countries and evidence about the potential impact of a change in the law.

Although the paper was completed, it was never released. No agreement was secured within Theresa May’s Government for the consultation to happen. And within a few months, there was a new Prime Minister, a new Government, and a new Justice Secretary.

Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaigner Nathan Stilwell said:

‘We welcome the current parliamentary inquiry into assisted dying however this paper shows that foundations were laid for this work in 2019 and it is a shame it has taken so long for Parliament to properly examine it.’

‘90% of the public wants a compassionate assisted dying law. The people of England and Wales deserve the right to choice, dignity, and autonomy at the end of their lives.’

Humanists UK supports assisted dying for those of sound mind who are terminally ill or incurably suffering, and have a clear and settled wish to die.

Notes:

For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 07534 248 596.

Humanists UK first requested the consultation paper from the MoJ in early 2020, after the change in Prime Minister/Government. It did so thinking that exemptions from the Freedom of Information Act related to ongoing policy development would by that stage have fallen away. The MoJ disagreed, so Humanists UK took the matter to the ICO. The ICO decided in Humanists UK’s favour last year, leading to the paper being published today.

Read the MoJ’s call for evidence.

Read the ICO’s decision.

Read more about progress on assisted dying over the last ten years.

Read the ONS study on suicides among people diagnosed with severe health conditions.

Read more about our campaign to legalise assisted dying in the UK.

Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.

Debbie Purdy led an enviable life before multiple sclerosis changed it forever. As a music journalist Debbie not only had access to music gigs for free, but the venues wouldn’t allow her to pay for drinks. It was on one such occasion in Singapore that she met her husband-to-be, the renowned Cuban jazz musician Omar Puente, who went on to support Debbie tirelessly as she faced the challenging symptoms of her illness with considerable grit.

On the anniversary of her death, we remember Debbie’s powerful legacy in forcing the government, through her legal case in 2009, to issue guidance on the prosecution criteria for those who assist someone to die. She wanted to be sure Omar would not be prosecuted if he accompanied her to an assisted death in Switzerland.

The then Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer, issued the Crown Prosecution Service guidance to apply in deciding whether a prosecution is in the public interest, even if there is sufficient evidence to prosecute. There are sixteen factors tending in favour of prosecution and six against. You can see the details here: https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/suicide-policy-prosecutors-respect-cases-encouraging-or-assisting-suicide

It is worth remembering the title of Debby’s heart-warming memoir, It’s not because I want to die. In choosing that phrase, she echoed what we know to be true: that those with incurable conditions or who are terminally ill simply want the ability to choose when and where their lives end, if they consider that their suffering has become intolerable. But for their suffering, they would want to live on. Our own late patron Paul Lamb, paralysed in a car accident, expressed a similar view in his campaigning.

Experience since the CPS issued its policy on prosecution, following Debby’s legal case, shows that it is not being applied in a consistent manner. Only this year, My Death, My Decision member Sue Lawford was arrested on her return to the UK, after she accompanied Sharon Johnston, a tetraplegic, to Dignitas.

The post On the anniversary of her death, we salute the legacy of the committed assisted dying campaigner Debbie Purdy appeared first on My Death, My Decision.

The Health and Social Care Committee has launched an inquiry into assisted dying in England and Wales. My Death, My Decision has strongly welcomed the news and hopes to work constructively with the Committee.

My Death, My Decision is campaigning for an assisted dying law that will allow adults of sound mind who are either incurably, intolerably suffering, or terminally ill, the right to have an assisted death. We hope the inquiry will examine jurisdictions like Spain, Austria and Canada that have laws that are not restricted to only people who are terminally ill. 

Assisted dying has not been properly examined by parliament since the House of Lords’ committees in 2004. In the 18 years since Parliament last investigated the matter, public and professional opinion have changed considerably. A poll by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) found that around 90 per cent of the British public favours a change in the current law. The British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), opposed a change in the law during the 2004 parliamentary inquiry but both have since re-evaluated their stance and changed their position to neutrality – as has The Royal College of Physicians. 

In the last two decades global opinion has shifted in favour of the option of assisted death. In 2004, only 38 million people around the world lived in jurisdictions where assisted dying was legal, whereas currently it has increased ninefold to more than 360 million people worldwide.

My Death, My Decision Chair Trevor Moore said:

‘I am so glad that parliament is at last examining assisted dying – something for which we have been campaigning for years. We know that many of the people we support, people who are incurably suffering and people who have witnessed a loved-one’s painful death, will welcome this news. We look forward to working with the committee and I hope they look at all the international evidence that shows that safe, compassionate assisted dying laws are possible.

‘Parliament will be following in the footsteps of Jersey, the Isle of Man, Scotland, Ireland and now France in finally tackling this issue. People who are incurably suffering deserve the right and freedom to make decisions about the end of their lives.’

Notes:

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots non-profit organisation that campaigns for a balanced and compassionate approach to assisted dying in England and Wales. As a growing movement, we are at the forefront of social change: nearly 90% of the public now favours a change in the law to allow adults of sound mind, who are either terminally ill or facing incurable suffering, the option of a peaceful, painless, and dignified death.

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Yesterday, the Republic of Ireland announced that it will examine the issue of assisted dying. A special committee of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament), made up of nine deputies and five senators, will be tasked to carry out an in-depth study. Humanists UK welcomes this news and hopes that Westminster follows suit.

The committee will explore eligibility criteria, safeguards, and processes and will be capable of recommending legislative change.

In 2020, the Dying with Dignity Bill was submitted to the Dáil, the lower house of the Oireachtas. The Bill would allow people with terminal illnesses the option of an assisted death. It received widespread public support and passed its second stage by 81 to 71 votes. However, in 2021, during the next stage, the Justice Committee chose not to proceed, instead suggesting a special committee look at the issue in depth. That is what is now happening.

The committee will aim to complete its report within nine months of its first public meeting, the date of which has yet to be announced. The UK Health and Social Care Committee is expected to launch an inquiry into assisted dying in England and Wales in early 2023.

Assisted Dying Campaigner Nathan Stilwell said:

‘We are very pleased that the Republic of Ireland is moving forward in examining assisted dying. Jersey, the Isle of Man, Scotland, France, and now Ireland are all looking into this issue right now and Westminster looks poised to set up an inquiry in the new year. People who are suffering at the end of their lives desperately want to see progress.

‘People who are terminally ill or incurably suffering deserve the right to make choices at the end of their lives. Assisted dying has always been an issue of freedom and autonomy. But politicians need to examine the evidence, from at home and abroad, in order to make an informed decision on this vital issue.’

Notes:

For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 07534 248 596.

Read more about a decade of campaigning for the legal right to die – at home and abroad.

Read more about our campaign to legalise assisted dying in the UK.

Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.

My Death, My Decision can now disclose that one of our members was earlier this year arrested at 5.30 am, put in a cell and held for 19 hours, and then subjected to a six-month police investigation, for escorting a woman to receive a medically assisted death in Switzerland.

The person she assisted was 60-year-old Sharon Johnston from Cardigan, who became tetraplegic following a fall at her previous home in Aberystwyth. Sharon spoke publicly about her wish to have an assisted death in 2021 BBC documentary When Would You Want to Die?

Sue Lawford, Co-chair of My Death My Decision Wales, originally from London and now living in Cardiff, says that the saga shows the urgent need to reform the UK’s assisted dying laws. Sue will be talking to MPs and Lords about her experience today at My Death, My Decision’s event in parliament.

Sue accompanied Sharon on 14 February to Heathrow Airport, en route to Dignitas in Switzerland. On the way to the airport Sharon was contacted by Dyfed Powys Police and Social Services several times; she reassured both that she was okay.

Sue accompanied Sharon to Dignitas to provide support. When Swiss Police arrived at Dignitas, Sue and Sharon reassured them and they were satisfied there was no illegal activity.  They left without taking any action. Sharon then had a calm, peaceful death early on the morning of 15 February. Her last words were: ‘This is a lovely feeling.’

The same day, Sue returned home to Cardiff. On 16 February at 5.30 am she was woken by the Police. Sue was arrested for assisting a suicide and was placed in the back of a police van and driven to Cardiff Bay Police Station. Meanwhile, police officers searched her house for over four hours. They seized her phone, electronic devices, passport, and documents relating to her work. They also took away electronic devices belonging to her husband, who had no connection whatsoever with the case.

Sue was kept in a police cell for 16 hours, before being interrogated by Dyfed Powys Police, with a duty solicitor in attendance. After over 19 hours in custody, she was released ‘pending investigation’. That investigation was dropped after six and a half months, due to ‘evidential difficulties’. Sue says being under arrest for such a long time was detrimental to her mental health.

Her possessions, and those of her husband, were only returned at the end of the investigation. 

According to data from YouGov, 79% of people in the UK believe that people who provide practical help to someone to obtain a medically assisted death abroad should not face prosecution.⁽¹⁾

My Death, My Decision supports the right to die for individuals who are of sound mind, have a clear and settled wish to end their life, and who are terminally ill or incurably suffering. Sharon was not terminally ill as a result of her tetraplegia. Swiss law allows both groups the right to die.

Sue Lawford said:

‘The entire situation caused immense stress and heartache for Sharon on an already difficult journey. It has caused me immense stress and anxiety since our return. The BBC had filmed an entire documentary on Sharon, whose decision was as clear as day. 

‘A change in the law in the UK is long overdue. And it shouldn’t be limited to the terminally ill. Sharon’s situation was intolerable, yet could have continued for many years, and there are countless others like her without the means to end their lives on their own terms.’

Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:

‘Sharon’s and Sue’s stories show why our current laws are completely broken. The lack of compassion they show in forcing an incurably suffering person to travel abroad for an assisted death, in the most difficult of circumstances, is shameful. For that to be followed by a heavy-handed criminal investigation of someone who acts out of the best of motives in providing help is appalling. That is why we urgently need a compassionate assisted dying law for England and Wales.’

Notes

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Sue Lawford is available for interview upon request.

(1) All figures are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,731 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 17th – 18th March 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Read more about My Death, My Decision’s campaign.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow those who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.

The post Retired NHS manager arrested, subjected to six-month investigation over assisted death appeared first on My Death, My Decision.

President Emmanuel Macron announced he will launch a citizens’ assembly on assisted dying. The French President showed his support for assisted dying while campaigning in the presidential election. Further details about the ‘convention citoyenne’ will be announced on Tuesday 13th September. Macron called it a move towards “more humanity.”

Macron had previously said he  would support having the Belgium model of assisted dying in France. Belgium legalised assisted dying in 2002 by allowing it for adults who experience ‘constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated’. This is broadly similar to the law that we are advocating for, along with the Assisted Dying Coalition.

In 2021, a citizens’ jury on the island of Jersey overwhelmingly supported the introduction of assisted legislation, with 78% voting in favour. This led to Jersey’s States Assembly approving assisted dying ‘in principle’ and official legislation is expected to be introduced in 2023.

The Scottish Parliament has just released a report showing strong support for assisted dying. 78% of the respondents to a consultation in 2021 supported a proposed Assisted Dying Bill by Liam McArthur MSP. 

According to France Info, Macron told Jean-Luc Romero, honorary President of the Association for the Right to Die with Dignity ( l’Association pour le Droit de Mourir dans la Dignité – ADMD), that he is committed to passing an assisted law before the end of 2023.

Chair of My Death, My Decision, Trevor Moore said:

“The welcome announcement by Emmanuel Macron of a citizens’ jury on assisted dying for France holds a mirror up to the inaction of our government in addressing this fundamental human rights issue. His commitment to put political weight behind it should shame our politicians into respecting the opinion of the vast majority of the UK population who want a compassionate assisted dying law.

The time for procrastination is over and we call on the new Justice Secretary to instigate a Parliamentary inquiry or to set up a citizens’ jury, following the examples of Jersey, and now France.”

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The post Success! Assisted Dying Bill introduced on the Isle Of Man appeared first on My Death, My Decision.

Baroness Meacher’s Assisted Dying Bill and Baroness Burt’s Inclusive Assemblies Bill have both fallen. This has happened because any private members’ bills that are still outstanding on the day of a Queen’s Speech have their progress halted. Humanists UK has expressed its dismay at the outcome.

The Assisted Dying Bill related to England and Wales, and reached the Committee Stage in the House of Lords. The Inclusive Assemblies Bill focused on England, and was brought by All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG) Vice-Chair Baroness Burt. It completed its passage through the Lords but ran out of time in the Commons, where it had been taken over by APPHG Chair Crispin Blunt MP.

A recent ONS study revealed that serious health conditions more than double the suicide rate, further showing the need for a compassionate, safeguarded assisted dying law.

Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaigner Nathan Stilwell said:

‘The Government claims to take a neutral position on assisted dying, but simultaneously refused to give enough time for this important bill to be fully debated and voted on. This is a de-facto opposition to assisted dying and keeps our broken current law in place.’

‘We’re now calling for an assisted dying inquiry, as that would equip parliamentarians with the necessary knowledge to conduct an informed debate and vote on this important issue. The clear majority of the public wants a compassionate assisted dying law and for the Government to respect their autonomy.’

Meanwhile, the UK is the only sovereign state in the world to mandate Christian worship in state schools as standard – a bizarre and unfair anachronism in a society where surveys suggest that approximately 50% of the population are now non-religious.

Humanists UK Education Campaigns Manager Robert Cann said:

‘We know that the public is in favour of abolishing compulsory collective worship – but by allowing the Inclusive Assemblies Bill to fall, the Government has failed to enable schools to keep pace with modern Britain. We would like to thank Baroness Burt and Crispin Blunt MP, the Bill’s sponsors in the Lords and Commons respectively. This issue will not go away – Humanists UK will ensure it is kept high on the agenda.’

Notes:

For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 07534 248 596.

Read our amendment to the assisted dying bill.

Read the ONS study on suicides among people diagnosed with severe health conditions.

Read more about our campaign to legalise assisted dying in the UK.

Read our article on the Inclusive Assemblies Bill completing its passage through the House of Lords.

Read our article on the poll finding the majority of parents don’t think the collective worship law should be enforced.

Read our article on the Government saying it will ‘remind schools of their duty’ to carry out Christian collective worship.

Read our article on the UN Committee pressing the UK to repeal collective worship laws.

Read more about our work on collective worship.

In 2019, Humanists UK launched a groundbreaking resource hub called Assemblies for All, providing hundreds of free inclusive assemblies for schools.

Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.

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