Uncategorized

The House of Lords has set up a select committee to examine assisted dying in a historic first. No such committee has ever been created for a Private Members’ Bill originating in the Commons, and this has happened just once for government legislation.

Beginning today, twelve Members of the House of Lords, known as peers, will take evidence on assisted dying from the Bill sponsors, professional bodies, coronial services and ministers. The twelve members of the select committee are:

• Lord Hope of Craighead (Chair)
• Baroness Berger
• Baroness Finlay of Llandaff
• Baron Goddard of Stockport
• Lord Goodman of Wycombe
• Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town
• Lord Markham
• Bishop of Newcastle
• Lord Patel
• Baroness Scotland of Asthal
• Baroness Smith of Newnham
• Lord Winston

The move to establish a Select Committee was made during the second day of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill’s Second Reading in the House of Lords. It will not produce a report or make recommendations, but will take and publish evidence. The Select Committee will report by 7 November, and the Bill will then progress to its Committee Stage for detailed line-by-line scrutiny. 

Dave Sowry, Board Member of My Death, My Decision, said:

‘The assisted dying Bill is the most intensely scrutinised legislation this parliament has ever seen. In 2024, a parliamentary inquiry into assisted dying received 68,000 responses from the public, 389 submissions of written evidence, and held three days of oral evidence sessions. The House of Commons Bill committee this year received 444 submissions of written evidence and held five oral evidence sessions, hearing from 50 witnesses.

‘We hope the Select Committee takes evidence from the most important people this debate is centred around, the terminally ill. We cannot fathom how members of the House of Lords could take further evidence about the Terminally Ill Adults Bill without hearing from terminally ill adults. People who are dying deserve to be heard, they deserve the right to make decisions about the end of their lives, and they deserve dignity. ’

Notes:

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456 200033. (media only)

My Death, My Decision has people and their loved ones who would be affected by this change available for the press.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, 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.

My Death, My Decision is a member of the Assisted Dying Coalition, along with Humanists UK, Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, and End of Life Choices Jersey.

Welsh patients could be forced to pay privately for assisted dying unless the next Welsh Government ensures NHS provision, according to a report published by the Welsh Parliament today. The Welsh Parliament Health and Social Care Committee Report on the Legislative Consent Memorandum for the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill warned that a two-tier system is possible if a future Welsh parliament votes against provisions.

The report also outlines that the Welsh Government expect about 40 assisted deaths in Wales in the first year when assisted dying is accessible. 

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, currently being debated in the House of Lords, will give dying adults with six months left to live or fewer the option of an assisted death, subject to strict safeguards. If passed, the Bill amends the Suicide Act, allowing the process to be set up, but the Welsh parliament will have final say over whether it will be provided by the Welsh NHS. 

This could lead to a system where people in England can access an assisted death for free, while terminally ill Welsh adults have to pay or travel to England. 

My Death, My Decision submitted evidence to consultation, warning that unless the Welsh Government acts quickly to introduce clear regulations, assisted dying in Wales could risk being accessible only through private provision, deepening existing health inequalities.

In our response, we welcomed the Legislative Consent Memorandum, stressing the importance of strong safeguards, practical guidance, and ensuring fair access to assisted dying in Wales. We drew on international evidence showing that assisted dying laws operate safely, improve conversations about end of life, and complement palliative care.

Graham Winyard, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:

“The assisted dying Bill is a landmark opportunity to give dying people in Wales greater choice, dignity, and compassion at the end of life. But that promise will only be fulfilled if the Welsh Government acts quickly to put clear, fair regulations in place. Without that, we risk a two-tier system where only those who can afford private provision have real choice. That would be completely unacceptable. 

All adults who are dying deserve choice. No one should be forced to suffer at the end of their life, and the current blanket ban on assisted dying does nothing but cause pain, misery and inequality.”

Notes:

Read the full report here: https://laiddocuments.senedd.wales/cr-ld17468-en.pdf 

You can read our submission to the committee here in English: https://business.senedd.wales/documents/s164776/TIA10%20-%20My%20Death%20My%20Decision.pdf

And here in Welsh: https://busnes.senedd.cymru/documents/s164776/TIA10%20-%20Fy%20Marwolaeth%20Fy%20Mhenderfyniad.pdf

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

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

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, 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 House of Lords has set up a Select Committee to examine assisted dying in a historic first as the Bill passed its Second Reading in the Lords, a critical stage of the Bill’s passage into law. No such committee has ever been created for a Private Member’s Bill that originated in the Commons, and this has happened just once for government legislation.

The move to establish a Select Committee happened during the second day of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill’s Second Reading in the House of Lords. The record-breaking debate saw nearly 180 peers speak over the two days, making it the longest debate with the highest number of speakers for any Private Members’ Bill. It is also a first for the UK Parliament in having the Lords grant a Second Reading to an assisted dying bill which has come from the Commons. 

An amendment to establish a Select Committee was agreed between Lord Falconer, the sponsor of the Bill in the Lords, and Baroness Berger. It agree to without a vote. The Select Committee will consider the safeguards and procedures of the Bill and hear evidence from professional bodies, those with professional experience of coronial services, and Ministers, and will report by 7 November. A further motion would be needed to appoint the members of the committee. 

If the Bill is to pass, it needs to complete all stages by the end of the parliamentary session in spring 2026. The amendment will permit further evidence to be taken on the Bill while having a limited, three week impact on its timeline. It will further evidence the unprecedented scrutiny and debate the Bill has benefited from, contradicting claims that the Bill is being rushed through. Following the reporting of the Select Committee by 7 November, the Bill will progress to its Committee Stage for detailed line-by-line scrutiny. 

Dr Graham Winyard, Board Member of My Death, My Decision, said:

‘This was a record-breaking debate, with the most speakers for a private members’ bill of any kind, and the first time an assisted dying bill from the Commons has passed Second Reading in the Lords. With the creation of a Select Committee the Bill continues to receive unprecedented scrutiny and debate.

‘Parliament today has taken a step closer to finally recognising that dying people deserve the choice of a safe, compassionate assisted death. We urge MPs and peers to carry this momentum forward so that the law can be implemented without delay, bringing dignity and peace of mind to those at the end of life.’

Juliette Sykes, widow of Tim Sykes who died of oesophageal cancer in 2021, attended Parliament today. She said: 

‘It breaks my heart that Tim didn’t have that choice; his final months were full of suffering he desperately wanted to avoid. But today brings me great comfort, and I hope no other family will be forced to endure what we did. Politicians need to come together, support this Bill and finally offer choice and compassion to people like Tim.’

During the debate, a number of peers made passionate speeches in support of assisted dying.

Baroness Thornton read out the letter of Pamela Fisher, a Church of England preacher, who said:

‘I live in terror at how the final weeks of my life may be, I have seen other family members, brother, father-in-law, at the end of their cancer journey and I know what may lie ahead – even the best palliative care has its limits, and this is the deadweight of fear that I carry around with me all the time. 

‘I am not asking anyone to help me shorten my life, in supporting this Bill, I seek to have the choice to shorten my death in my final weeks should my pain and suffering be unbearable.’

Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe said he has changed his mind on assisted dying, previously being opposed, he now supports a change in the law:

‘My Lords, for some dying is welcomed and is peaceful and serene; for others it is full of difficulties, is full of great difficulties of pain, anxiety and misery, notwithstanding all the admirable efforts of palliative care. People with terminal illnesses, in my experience in recent years have seen dying in fear, acute pain and misery. Of course this can be avoided, as has been said by others, if one has the money. Anyone can go to Switzerland to Dignitas for assisted dying at a price. Further you can go virtually safe in the knowledge that it’s highly unlikely that any punitive action will be taken against you.’

‘Why, why isn’t such action taken? Isn’t it because most people see assistance with dying for the terminally ill as an act of caring, compassion and love. For those without the funds for that, this bill, amended as the house sees fit, provides just that, for them to do it at their homes. My Lords, who am I to deny that those less able to afford it should not have that choice?’

Baroness Blackstone said:

‘When my former husband, in hospice care, was dying of stomach cancer at the age of 44 in agonising pain, with terrible nausea too, he desperately wanted it to come to an end – — as he put it –– and asked for my help. I tried to persuade his carers to speed up his death, but failed. Is this killing? Was his wish to die by suicide? Surely not. He loved life and had not wanted to die. But he was dying, and when life became truly unbearable he longed for death. But because of the law, I could not help him end his torture.’

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon said: 

‘I’m a humanist. I respect those who believe in the sanctity of life and I subscribe to many of their values. But this bill will not compel anyone to act against their conscience. It provides agency and choice to people who are near death with the ability to decide how they spend their final days whether they have faith or no faith.’

Lord Willetts said:

‘The Bill has many provisions to address concerns about coercion. But we have heard less about the coercion that is already in force today under the law today. Using the power of the state to forbid some of the most compassionate forms of assisted dying. That is coercion too and it is causing deep human distress, as we have heard. Sometimes we can use and do use the power of the law to enforce a settled moral consensus in our society. That is not the case here.’ 

Notes

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456 200033. (media only)

My Death, My Decision have people and their loved ones who would be affected by this change available for the press.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, 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.

Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision are both members of the Assisted Dying Coalition, along with Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, and End of Life Choices Jersey.

My Death, My Decision has submitted evidence to the Senedd Health and Social Care Committee’s consultation on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, and it has now been published in both English and Welsh.

In our response, we welcomed the Legislative Consent Memorandum, stressing the importance of strong safeguards, practical guidance, and ensuring fair access to assisted dying in Wales. We drew on international evidence showing that assisted dying laws operate safely, improve conversations about end of life, and complement palliative care.

But we also warned that unless the Welsh Government acts quickly to introduce clear regulations, assisted dying in Wales could risk being accessible only through private provision, deepening existing health inequalities.

Graham Winyard, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:

“This Bill is a landmark opportunity to give dying people in Wales greater choice, dignity, and compassion at the end of life. But that promise will only be fulfilled if the Welsh Government acts quickly to put clear, fair regulations in place. Without that, we risk a two-tier system where only those who can afford private provision have real choice. That would be unacceptable. We urge Ministers to move swiftly to ensure safe and equal access for all terminally ill people in Wales.”

You can read our full response here in English.

Darllenwch ein hymateb yn y Gymraeg.

The Committee called for evidence to inform its scrutiny of the Legislative Consent Memorandum, with submissions due by 19th September. It is expected to consider the evidence it has received shortly after, and publish its report in October.

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

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

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, 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 Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has completed the first day of its Second Reading in the House of Lords, a key stage of the Bill’s passage into law. The debate will continue on Friday 19 September.

Lasting a marathon six and a half hours without pause, nearly 90 members of the House of Lords spoke during the first day of debate. With 180 peers expected to speak in total over the two days, this is set to be the longest debate with the most speakers of any Private Members’ Bill in history. 

There were no votes in today’s debate, but peers may vote on some amendments next Friday.

Graham Winyard, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:

‘We welcome today’s debate, which was respectful, measured and reflected the public’s strong and consistent support for assisted dying. Many peers recognised that everyone deserves the right to make their own choices at the end of life, with compassion, and dignity.

‘We are grateful to those who engaged seriously with the evidence and with the voices of dying people and their families. This debate is an encouraging step forward, and we will continue working to ensure that the views of terminally ill adults remain at the centre as the Bill moves through the Lords.’

George Smith, whose mother took her own life in 2024, said: 

‘My mum endured years of pain from Multiple Sclerosis and Trigeminal Neuralgia before feeling she had no choice but to end her life alone. It was heartbreaking for us as a family. Today’s debate shows the Lords are willing to confront this suffering and consider change. I hope that terminally ill people won’t have to face the same lonely decision my mum did.’

During the debate, several peers made passionate speeches in favour of assisted dying.

Lord Alf Dubs said:

‘Even if I disagree with the views put forward, I fully respect their right to be put forward. I would like to pay tribute to Kim Leadbeater, she has done a tremendous job, with tenacity, sensitivity and campaigning fervour, she deserves a lot of respect even if one does not agree with her views. 

I cannot deny to others something that I would want to avail of myself. I would certainly want to avail myself of the Bill if my health had reached a position where I qualified for it. 

The present position is surely unsafe, cruel and unworkable.’ 

Baroness Hayman said:

‘I am still haunted by the last conversation I had last year with someone very close to me, who was dying in the London teaching hospital, who had cared for him for many years with wonderful palliative care. The last thing he said to me was “every night I go to sleep I pray that I won’t wake up”

In a visit to Oregon, one of the things that struck me most, was to learn how many people asked for a prescription for the drug to end their life but didn’t actually use it. It was around 40%. That’s been a pretty constant figure, it is common and has been replicated in other jurisdictions. If we change the law, it will affect more people than the 1% who have an assisted death. I think that is a good thing. It will give tremendous comfort and courage to many people with terminal diseases, knowing that if worst comes to the worst, if palliative care can’t help them, they have an option they can choose to take.’

Lord Mohammed of Tinsley said: 

‘I speak in favour of this legislation because it’s fundamentally about choice and compassion, it’s not about compelling anyone to act against their conscience. It’s about giving individuals and families the ability to decide how they spend their final days, whether they have faith or no faith. 

I would not personally choose assisted dying and nor would any member of my family. Our faith teaches us to endure life until its natural end, and we would respect that. My personal decision or that of my family should not mean that others who hold different beliefs or different choices are denied the ability to act according to their own conscience.

Lord Dobbs said:

‘A nurse wrote to me: I have never met a nurse or a doctor who is eager to end the life of any patient. But I have known many nurses and doctors who want to end their suffering. I hope and pray, she says, that the law will change and I will not be subjected to the laws dictated by those who do not agree with me.

My Lords, I wish I had had the opportunity out of love to help my mother pass peacefully in my arms. Instead of watching her years of suffering, it would have been her choice, but she had no choice. And instead I’m left with an enduring memory of endless pain.

Baroness Primarolo said:

‘Denying the ultimate right to end one’s life in peace and dignity when the alternative is so scary and appalling is not being compassionate. We need to facilitate this bill. When I was a health minister, I was reminded of complex human interactions when we try to legislate. We took on the challenge in the embryology bill, got the details right, and did not delay the choice of those who seek the bill. 

It is a travesty, and ultimately wrong, for the state or any other agent of civil society, to intervene with or impose their values above the right of the individual of self-determination in circumstances where there is no perverse impact on the community. In democracy, we must trust individuals to make informed decisions about their own bodies and lives.’

Notes

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456 200033.

Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision have people and their loved ones who would be affected by this change available for the press.

We recognise that any assisted dying law must contain strong safeguards and the international evidence from countries where assisted dying is legal shows that safeguards can be effective. We also believe that the choice of assisted dying should not be considered an alternative to palliative care, but should be offered together as in many other countries.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, 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.

Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision are both members of the Assisted Dying Coalition, along with Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, and End of Life Choices Jersey.

Yesterday, My Death, My Decision and Humanists UK co-hosted an event in the House of Lords to support the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill ahead of Second Reading on 12 September.

The event brought together cross-party Peers,  MPs, campaigners, and international experts to highlight the urgency of legal change. Speakers challenged common misconceptions and emphasised that assisted dying is rooted in values of compassion, autonomy, and dignity.

Kim Leadbeater MP, sponsor of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Committee, said:

‘It’s deeply traumatic and painful for those families who either have to wave their loved ones off in the back of a taxi, and they have to find significant amounts of money as well, or they take that journey with their loved ones, and they face a fear of prosecution, which terrifies them. The police have a duty to knock on their door and say, “I’m really sorry, but we have to do this”, and that takes months. So on top of grief, loss, bereavement and pain, they have a criminal investigation, and it just cannot be right.’

‘We have a duty to get this Bill through parliament and royal assent as soon as possible, so that we can replace the stories of trauma, loss and agony with stories of compassion, autonomy and dignity.’

Rachel Hopkins MP, member of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Committee, explained to the Lords that while door-knocking in her constituency, she chanced upon the daughter of Diane Pretty, who took her case to the High Court for the right to die. She said:

‘[Diane’s daughter said] “I just wanted to say thank you, because I saw what my mother went through and she couldn’t have an assisted death. At first, I didn’t want it to happen but because I saw the pain and suffering my mother went through, I felt things needed to change.’

Tom Gordon MP, member of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Committee, said his advice to Members of the House of Lords was:

‘A lot of the arguments put to us about this Bill are based on hypotheticals. We must keep bringing it back to real people who are suffering right now, who don’t have that choice, the families who were forced to not be able to be with their loved ones when they access this overseas.’

Silvan Luley, board member of DIGNITAS, the Swiss assisted dying centre, said:

‘Assisted dying is not about ending lives. In fact, it’s about saving lives, and it’s about improving health, and it’s improving the quality of life of a person at a time when they suffer grievously.’

‘Good health care means taking seriously people’s wishes in regard to how and when they wish to go out in their life. People deserve respect, care, compassion and legal options, being met at eye level, not belittling them as vulnerable, not labelling them as potentially incompetent.’

Dr Julian Huppert, former MP whose mother had an assisted death in Australia, said:

‘She looked at the doctor and the nurse and said: “Thank you for how much you have helped me”. And then they gave her the injection, and she first fell asleep, and then death followed.

It was the best death that mum could possibly have.’ 

Notes:

For further comment or information, media should contact Campaigns Manager Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456 200033. (Media only)

My Death, My Decision has people and their loved ones who would be affected by this change available for the press.

Humanists defend the right of each individual to live by their own personal values, and the freedom to make decisions about their own life so long as this does not result in harm to others. Humanists do not share the attitudes to death and dying held by some religious believers, in particular that the manner and time of death are for a deity to decide, and that interference in the course of nature is unacceptable. We firmly uphold the right to life but we recognise that this right carries with it the right of each individual to make their own judgement about whether their life should be prolonged in the face of pointless suffering.

We recognise that any assisted dying law must contain strong safeguards and the international evidence from countries where assisted dying is legal shows that safeguards can be effective. We also believe that the choice of assisted dying should not be considered an alternative to palliative care, but should be offered together as in many other countries.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, 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.

Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision are both members of the Assisted Dying Coalition, along with Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, and End of Life Choices Jersey.

Historic draft assisted dying legislation, put forward by the Council of Ministers in Jersey today, could see the first assisted death on the island in 2027. My Death, My Decision welcomes the final proposals of the Draft Assisted Dying (Jersey) Law, calling it a crucial step towards granting people control over their deaths.

The draft law is due to be debated by the States Assembly on 25 November 2025. If approved, the legislation would take effect after an 18-month implementation period, making the first assisted death in Jersey possible in summer 2027.

The draft Bill proposes that adults who are terminally ill, with six months or fewer left to live, or up to twelve months in cases of neurodegenerative conditions, may request an assisted death. Applicants must demonstrate mental capacity, a consistent and settled wish to die, and undergo a rigorous process.

In May 2024, the States Assembly voted 31 to 15 in favour of the detailed assisted dying proposals. However, politicians rejected extending eligibility to those who are not terminally ill but are incurably suffering. This decision came despite the fact that 78% of citizens’ jury members and repeated public surveys showed strong support for including both groups.

The lodging of the draft Bill follows years of public engagement and reflects widespread demand for reform, both in Jersey and across the wider UK.

Carmen Sumadiwiria of My Death, My Decision, said:

“Jersey is showing the courage and compassion that people across the UK have been calling for. This Bill has the potential to give dying people a real choice, one that respects their dignity, autonomy, and values at the most difficult time of their lives.”

“The safeguards proposed are robust and thorough. We urge the States Assembly to pass this Bill without delay, so that those at the end of life are finally given the right to choose a dignified death.”

Notes:

Members of the My Death, My Decision team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

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

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, 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.

New extensive research from the Nuffield Trust shows that in jurisdictions where assisted dying is legal, ‘people can find the process reassuring and that it can give them a sense of control, even if they do not go on to have an assisted death.’

Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision welcome this extensive independent research, which adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests that assisted dying gives a compassionate choice to the terminally ill.

The research found:

• ‘Loss of ability to engage in meaningful activity and loss of autonomy are the most commonly reported reasons why people access assisted dying services.’
• ‘The evidence that was available suggested that people can find the process reassuring and that it can give them a sense of control, even if they do not go on to have an assisted death.’
• ‘Compared with other end-of-life experiences, carers involved in situations of hastened death less commonly report burden or physical exhaustion.’

The report also came with a warning to parliamentarians not to make the assisted dying process too difficult and prescriptive, and that legislation should aim to remove barriers to access. The report says: ‘A review of the assisted dying legislation in New Zealand found the level of operational prescription in its law to be unnecessary in primary legislation, and that it could have unintended impacts on how assisted dying is provided over time.’

Carmen Sumadiwiria, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:

‘We can take confidence from this report that many countries like ours have already introduced safe and workable assisted dying systems. We’re not starting from scratch, we can learn directly from our allies and neighbours. Victoria, Australia implemented its law in 18 months, and New Zealand did so in just 13 months during Covid. By contrast, our Government is allowing up to four years, and that is simply too long.

‘Put yourself in the shoes of a terminally ill person: knowing you can take control if your suffering becomes too much is worth every bit of the time and cost it takes to get this right. No one should be forced to die a painful, drawn-out death. The law must change.’

Assisted dying: not ‘straightforward’?

Much of the media attention around the report has focused on a quote from Nuffield that says ‘With assisted dying remaining a contested issue, and our health and care systems struggling under immense pressure, implementing a new service won’t be straightforward.’ The quote goes on to say ‘However, other countries provide valuable lessons which can help policy makers to make good choices as the Bills legalising assisted dying continue their parliamentary journeys.’ Some media appear to have taken the ‘won’t be straightforward’ part in isolation and made it sound like it might be too hard for us to bother with.

The report recognises that the NHS is already stretched and under pressure, and there needs to be sufficient time and money to implement assisted dying. But it also shows that so many countries similar to ours have implemented safe systems without substantial pressure on their healthcare systems.

The economic costs of implementing assisted dying will be tiny compared to the overall NHS budget. Regardless, the decision on whether to change the law should not be about economics, but on whether assisted dying is the right approach in principle.

Assisted dying laws do need to have enough time to be implemented. But every other country around the world that already has a law, has been able to implement it within 19 months. The only exception is Oregon, which took three years due to court challenges. The England and Wales Bill currently allows up to four years, with that having been raised from two during the Bill’s passage through the Commons. This seems to us to be too long. If it takes four years, people who need assisted deaths will suffer painfully while waiting for the Bill to come into force.

Notes:

For further comment or information, media should contact our Campaigns Manager Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033. (Media only)

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, 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.

Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision are both members of the Assisted Dying Coalition, along with Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, and End of Life Choices Jersey.

This should be the last rally this year. I know we’ve asked a lot of you this year, but we need your voice again.

I’m inviting you, and everyone you can bring, to join our rally outside ahead of the next debate in the House of Lords.

Friday 12 September

8:00am to 10:00am

Parliament Square

 

Why it matters:
For any other Bill, the House of Lords normally wouldn’t block it or alter it significantly. The role of the House of Lords is meant to be to tighten laws, making them work better and be more compassionate.

But this is different; some Lords have already said they want to throw the Bill out and stop it in its tracks. We need a strong presence outside parliament to tell them: We want an assisted dying law. 

What to expect:

• Banners, placards, and posters (feel free to bring your own homemade one!)
• Fellow campaigners, including those from Humanists UK
• Photography and filming to capture our collective voice

How you can help:

• Forward this email to your contacts
• Bring friends and family
• Share our message on social media

Two of Britain’s most admired actors, Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, have spoken out in support of the right to choose an assisted death.

In a recent interview with Saga Magazine, the stars of The Thursday Murder Club shared their heartfelt views on assisted dying, drawing on personal experiences of seeing loved ones suffer.

“I absolutely believe in assisted dying,” said Helen Mirren.

“So do I,” added Pierce Brosnan. “I’ve watched the suffering of dear ones. I think when my time comes, I’d like to be able to have the choice to say: ‘Okay, let’s have that cup of tea and say goodbye.’”

Mirren agreed: “Yes, in a warm and loving way. I do absolutely believe in that.”

Their comments echo the views of the overwhelming majority of the British public, who consistently say in polls that they support a change in the law to allow assisted dying. 

Graham Winyard, Director of My Death, My Decision, says:

“It’s powerful to see cultural icons like Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan adding their voices to this cause. They reflect what so many families across the UK feel – that compassion, dignity, and choice should guide our laws at the end of life. We want to thank them for their support on this important issue. ”

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, currently in the House of Lords, would legalise assisted dying for adults with six months left to live or fewer, subject to safeguards and a lengthy process. The next debate in the House of Lords, called Second Reading, will be Friday 12 September.

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

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

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, 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.