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The decision to provide assisted dying through the Welsh NHS will rest with the Senedd, Wales’ Health Secretary has confirmed, though services may still be available privately if the law changes.

Speaking to the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee on 16 July, Welsh Health Secretary Jeremy Miles clarified the Welsh Government’s role in implementing the proposed Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which would legalise assisted dying for mentally competent adults with a terminal illness and is currently progressing through Parliament and is due to be debated in the House of Lords on 12 September. If approved, it would become law in England and Wales.

Although the power to enact the Bill rests with Westminster, decisions about service provision in Wales, such as whether NHS Wales can offer assisted dying, fall within devolved health powers. As a result, the Welsh Government would only be able to implement assisted dying through the NHS if the Senedd agrees.

“If the [Welsh] Government wanted to [implement it], and the Senedd didn’t want to approve it – the Senedd would have that ability as well,” Mr Miles said.

Conservative MS Peter Fox, Chair of the Health Committee, sought clarity on whether assisted dying services could be offered through NHS Wales if ministers chose not to lay the necessary regulations.

“If they are not made by the Welsh Government and consequently approved by this Senedd, the NHS in Wales will not be able to provide assisted dying services – is that the case?”

“That is correct,” Mr Miles replied.

He also indicated that decisions about NHS provision would likely be made after the next Senedd election, scheduled for May 2026.

However, the Health Secretary suggested that even without NHS provision, assisted dying could become available in Wales through the private sector, as is the case in other jurisdictions around the world.

This distinction between the legal framework and public service provision has prompted renewed questions about how equitable access will be ensured across the UK. 

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

“It would be deeply unjust for people in Wales to be denied access to assisted dying through the NHS while people in England are supported to die on their own terms. Without NHS provision, those who cannot afford private services ,or who are too unwell to travel, may be left without any meaningful choice at the end of life.

Right now, some people are forced to make the traumatic and expensive journey to Switzerland to have the dignified death they deserve. It would be no fairer and no less cruel if people in Wales were forced to travel across the border to England instead.

We hope that whoever is in Government in Wales after the May election will ensure that everyone facing a terminal illness, regardless of where they live or what they earn, is treated with the compassion, dignity, and respect they deserve.”

Before the election, Members of the Senedd will have a say on a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM), a formal vote used when Westminster legislates on devolved matters. Although not legally binding, such motions carry significant political weight under the Sewel Convention, which states that the UK Parliament will “not normally” legislate on devolved matters without consent.

Mr Miles confirmed that the outcome of this vote would influence the Welsh Government’s next steps.

The Senedd has previously voted against the principle of assisted dying — most recently in 2023, by 26 votes to 19, with 9 abstentions. A similar motion was rejected in 2014. However, the current Bill is more narrowly drawn, applying only to mentally competent adults with a terminal illness, and includes a clear legal framework and strict safeguards.

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 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 deadline to apply for board positions is 21 September] 

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots movement that campaigns for assisted dying reform. We want a compassionate law on assisted dying that permits a medically assisted death to adults of sound mind who are suffering intolerably or terminally ill. We believe reform is necessary to reduce the suffering of individuals who are close to death, and, just as importantly, to give choice to those with physical, incurable conditions who face years of constant pain or suffering that they find unbearable.

My Death, My Decision has been at the forefront of supporting the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill while recognising that it does not fulfill all our goals. It has become increasingly clear that a long-term campaign will be necessary after the Bill is passed, both to ensure that the Bill is properly implemented and to engage with future reviews and consultations. 

We are seeking expressions of interest now so that we are well-placed to manage this change effectively.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who share our passion for what should be a basic human right and are interested in active hands-on involvement in the campaign. In particular, we would like to attract people with the following experience and expertise:

• Chairing a charity or managing a small organisation.
• Public Affairs or Campaigning
• Medicine
• Fundraising or Marketing
• Policy or Legal
• Operations

We are an equal opportunities employer, proud of our diversity and Board gender balance. We remain committed to improving our diversity and therefore encourage applications from all members of the community.

Experience in charity governance would be welcome.

What will you be doing?

My Death, My Decision is a small grassroots organisation. Many people are often surprised to see how much work is carried out by so few staff members and that we are volunteer-led.

We are looking to recruit a working board, more than a governing board, meaning that the board will be expected to fulfil a hands-on volunteering role, with clear tasks and responsibilities, rather than the boards of larger organisations, which generally only advise and set the strategy. 

 The time commitment will be between 2 to 4 hours per week, depending on your expertise and what tasks you volunteer to support with. 

What difference will you make? 

This is an opportunity to effect real change and make a difference by achieving law change that will respect autonomy, ensure dignity and end unnecessary suffering for those at the most challenging times of their lives; and provide choice for those making critical decisions about their lives and how they might end. 

We are committed to an evidence-based law which balances individual choice alongside robust safeguards. You can be the dynamic motivator of the work of our members, supporters, patrons and activists as we help to enshrine the values of autonomy, dignity, and compassion into assisted dying legislation.

Next steps:

If you are interested in playing a role in one of the biggest campaigns in a generation please send a CV and a short introduction email explaining why you would like to join the board and what expertise you will bring to our grassroots organisation.

As you can imagine, we are in the busiest period our campaign has ever seen. We will endeavour to acknowledge receipt of all applications and will seek to host interviews on a rolling basis.

Please send applications to: simon.menneer@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk with the subject line: “Board Recruitment”. 

[The deadline to apply for board positions is 21 September] 

This is a critical turning point, as politicians continue to debate the Assisted Dying Bill.

Third Reading Rally

When: Friday 20 June, 9am–3pm
Where: Parliament Square, Westminster, London SW1P 3JX

On Friday 20 June, politicians will debate further changes to the Bill, and vote on the Bill as a whole. This means the Bill could pass on to the next stage, or fail entirely.

Join our rally:

Your presence is vital. But if you can’t make it, why not chip in for a placard?

The louder our presence, the harder we are to ignore. This is the time to act.

Please join us for as much time as you can—earlier in the morning is best. Help us show Parliament that no one should be forced to suffer at the end of their lives. Click here to share a message of support on X (Twitter).

What to expect

• Banners, placards, and posters will be available, but nothing beats a homemade and personal poster if you have the time.
• We expect to be standing alongside fellow assisted dying campaigners, Humanists UK.
• Photography and filming will take place throughout the rally to document our collective presence.​

How you can help

• Bring your friends and family. We need numbers!
• Forward this page to your contacts.
• Share our message on social media platforms.
• Let your MP know you will attend our rally and ask them if they will vote.

Today MPs debated the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill as part of Report Stage. They debated a series of amendments, and voted on two.

The changes to the Bill debated today were: ‘Obligations, duties and protections for medical practitioners, hospices and care homes; The procedure for receiving assistance under the Act including safeguards and protections; Eligibility and mental capacity.’

Amendment NC10 (widening opt-outs) was agreed to without a vote. Amendment (a) to NC10, which would essentially have allowed employers as a whole to opt their employees out regardless of the employees’ views, was defeated 279 to 243.

 

Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:

“Today’s debate shows just how important it is that we give people real choice and control at the end of their lives. No one should be forced to suffer against their will when they’re dying. We support this Bill because it’s about kindness, dignity, and making sure the law reflects the compassion most people already feel.”

MPs will return on 13 June to debate amendments on: ‘Approved substances and devices; Advertising; Inquests; investigations and death certification; Guidance and codes of practice; Welsh language; Monitoring, consultation and reviews; The Assisted Dying Commissioner; Implementation; Regulations; Extent; Commencement.’ Following this debate, they will vote on chosen amendments – including those from today that were not yet voted upon. It is unclear as to whether they will get through all votes on 13 June. If not, they will continue onto 20 June. After that, they will have Third Reading, where they will vote on the Bill again as a whole.

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 Scottish Parliament has voted in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. Members of the Assisted Dying Coalition have welcomed the vote.

MSPs voted 70 in favour, 56 against on Stage 1 of the Bill, which is about general principles. There will be another two rounds of voting and amendments before the Bill passes fully. No Assisted Dying Bill in Scotland has ever made it past Stage 1.

Emma Cooper, Convenor of Friends at the End, said:

‘Today is a landmark moment for compassion, dignity, and choice in Scotland. As someone who has seen firsthand the pain that can accompany the end of life, I know how vital it is that we give people the right to die on their own terms. This Bill is not about giving up, it’s about empowering those who are dying to have control, peace, and a say in their final days. While this is not yet law, passing Stage 1 means the Scottish Parliament now has the opportunity to consider amendments and work together to create the right legislation for Scotland. On behalf of Friends at the End, we welcome this historic step forward and stand with all those who have waited so long for this moment.’

Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:

‘Today’s decision is a monumental step forward for human rights and compassion. This victory demonstrates Scotland’s leadership in recognising the fundamental right of terminally ill individuals to make dignified and autonomous choices about their own deaths. No-one should be forced to suffer at the end of life, and this law ensures that terminally ill adults will now have greater control and peace of mind.’

Glasgow-based Kevan Donoghue died at age 64, 18 months after a shock diagnosis of a rare bile duct cancer. Suffering from constant pain, Kevin died after not eating or drinking for three weeks as a result of his illness. His wife, ex-nurse Patricia Donoghue, suffers from PTSD following her husband’s death. Commenting on the vote, Patricia Donoghue said:

‘I am relieved and pleased with this result. It is a significant step forward for supporters of this legislation. It won’t immediately change the law, but it indicates real backing in the Scottish Parliament to continue refining and debating the Bill. It is a major milestone as previous attempts in Scotland have failed. Scotland is moving towards legally assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The hard work continues.’

Introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill is a Private Member’s Bill. It will allow terminally ill adults in Scotland to lawfully request, and be provided with, assistance by health professionals to end their own life.

Westminster will debate amendments to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which will apply to England and Wales, at Report Stage on Friday 16 May. Assisted dying legislation in the Isle of Man passed in March and is awaiting royal assent.

Humanists UK, My Death, My Decision, Humanist Society Scotland, and Friends at the End are all part of the Assisted Dying Coalition, a group of organisations across the UK and Crown Dependencies who campaign for a compassionate assisted dying law

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.

What’s this about?

On 2 May 2025, the Government published four key documents relating to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: an Impact Assessment, an Equality Impact Assessment, a Human Rights Memorandum, and a Delegated Powers Memorandum. These reports assess how the Bill would work in practice and conclude it is ethically justified, financially viable, and safely designed.

Here’s everything you need to know about these assessments. 

What do the Impact Assessments focus on?

The extensive impact assessments focus a lot on analysis of the financial implications of the Bill. However, the Government recognises that doesn’t truly reflect the impacts the Bill will have, saying: ‘adding only the quantified elements of [the impact assessment] together would not give a comprehensive assessment on the net impact of the Bill because significant unquantified impacts would not be accounted for in that net figure’.

In other words, it does not take into account the human costs of doing nothing. We have produced a separate report on this, which highlights that:

• Thousands of terminally ill adults would continue to suffer every year if the Bill is not passed, with many forced to take their own lives, even with the best possible standard of palliative care
• Legalising assisted dying is linked to an increase in the provision of palliative care, alongside bringing peace of mind to individuals who choose to avail of an assisted death
• The current situation exports compassion abroad, creating inequalities based on wealth, resources, and family support
• A broken system subjects families to harsh, intrusive investigations for acts of compassion, which are very rarely prosecutable. 

Safeguards and Protections

The Bill includes strong protections to ensure people are eligible, informed, and choosing freely.

Key features:

• Two independent doctors must agree the applicant qualifies.
  
• A panel (doctor, psychiatrist, social worker) reviews each case.
  
• Mandatory reflection periods to allow reconsideration.
  
• Disability Advisory Board and advocates involved.
  
• Mandatory training on recognising coercion, and supporting disabled and autistic people.

As the Impact Assessment confirms:

‘The Bill goes further than some other jurisdictions in terms of oversight, regulation, protections and safeguards.’

Professional Autonomy

The Impact Assessment confirms again that healthcare professionals can opt out if they object – no one is forced to participate.

Fair Access for All

The assessments recognise concerns about how the Bill might impact disabled people. To address this, the Bill includes specific safeguards to protect against pressure or coercion and to ensure decisions are truly voluntary.

These measures are designed to protect, not exclude, disabled people;ensuring safety, autonomy, and equal dignity for all who are eligible.

The Government’s analysis also confirms that the new law will also offer compassion to people who cannot afford to travel abroad for assisted dying.

Financial Considerations

Although the Bill is driven by compassion, not cost-saving, the Government’s assessments show it is also affordable:

• Healthcare savings: Less end-of-life care for people who choose an assisted death could save the NHS up to £59.6m per year by year 10.
  
• Implementation costs (oversight panels, training, admin): estimated to be £13.5–25.1m per year by year 10 – which would be covered by healthcare savings.
  
• Training: To ensure safe, informed care – up to £11.4 million in year 1 for initial training, then up to £9.7 million annually by year 10.
  
• Benefits and pensions: Fewer pension and benefits payments needed for those choosing an assisted death – up to £27.7 million annually saved by year 10.
  
• Court and admin costs: Minimal and manageable within current capacity.
  

Overall: The impact assessments show this is a compassionate policy that doesn’t strain public resources.

International Context

The Terminally Ill Adults Bill’s approach reflects best practices from countries like:

• Australia
  
• New Zealand
  
• Oregon (USA)
  

These systems show that assisted dying can be implemented safely and fairly.

Human Rights Compliance

The Government has confirmed the Bill is compatible with human rights law, aligning with the . It upholds:

• The right to life
  
• The right to dignity and autonomy
  
• Protection from suffering

In Summary

According to the Government’s own analysis, the Bill is:

• Morally justified
  
• Affordable
  
• Safe
  
• Practically deliverable

A compassionate law that gives terminally ill adults the dignity of choice.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is a landmark piece of legislation and an opportunity to extend freedom of choice and dignity at the end of life for thousands of Britons. 

Polling consistently shows that 75% of people support assisted dying in the UK and there’s a majority of support in every single constituency bar one. 

The Impact Assessment is part and parcel of the scrutiny process that good legislation requires – adding another layer to a Bill that has already seen months of expert testimonial, thorough, and over 90 hours of thoughtful debate by colleagues across the House at Committee Stage.

Report Stage is due to take place on Friday 16 May although could run to Friday 13 June; and Third Reading is likely scheduled for Friday 13 June, although could be Friday 20 June if Report Stage overruns.

UK-based membership of the Swiss assisted dying centre Dignitas has grown by 50% in the last five years, new figures show. In 2024, there were 2,231 members of non-profit Dignitas (full name DIGNITAS – To live with dignity, die with dignity) compared to 1,430 in 2019. Membership – a prerequisite to having an assisted death at Dignitas – has seen a sharp rise, with 331 new members in 2024, and 372 the year prior, and has doubled since 2016. Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision – both members of the UK Assisted Dying Coalition – have called on MPs to stop exporting compassion and allow for legal, safe, and compassionate assisted deaths in the UK as soon as is safely possible.

Other figures show 37 UK deaths at the Swiss centre in 2024, down slightly from 40 in 2023. 608 UK residents in total had died at the Swiss assisted dying centre by the end of the year, one of three clinics in Switzerland open to UK citizens. Last year the Assisted Dying Coalition produced a report detailing where in the UK residents have come from before having an assisted death abroad.

Dave Sowry accompanied his wife Christy Barry to have an assisted death at Dignitas in September 2022. Christy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and had a clear and settled wish to die. Dave said:

‘Going to Dignitas wasn’t an easy option for my wife. Sadly, it was the only option. The additional stress and worry caused by the current legal situation was traumatising for her. Christy was terrified right up until the end that she would have her decision thwarted, by the UK laws and she felt unable to tell anyone other than a few people really close to her. 

‘It’s cruel to impose this additional burden on anyone at the most difficult time of their life. We must change the law.’

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

‘Every year, more people are joining Dignitas because our assisted dying law needs to change. These aren’t just numbers, they’re real people, many of them terminally ill, who want control over how and when they die. The UK’s current ban on assisted dying is cruel, outdated, and unsustainable. It’s time Parliament listened to the overwhelming public support for change and gave people the right to die with dignity, here at home.’

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 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.

Tom Gordon MP has put forward an amendment to the Terminally Ill Adults Bill to reduce the deadline for the Government to introduce assisted dying from four years to three. My Death, My Decision has welcomed the amendment.

The first draft of the Bill set the maximum time the Government could take to implement assisted dying at two years, but during the committee stage this deadline was increased to four years. My Death, My Decision was the only organisation to campaign against the delay at Committee Stage.

No other jurisdiction in the world has taken even close to four years to implement an assisted dying bill.

If selected by the speaker, the amendment would be debated and voted on at Report Stage on 25 April.

Tom Gordon MP, who tabled the amendment, said:

“A three-year deadline for implementation strikes a fair balance between the Government, which has pushed for delays, and Parliament, which voted for a compassionate change to assisted dying.

As the only MP on the Bill committee to oppose extending the deadline to four years, I believe terminally ill people must have a voice in this debate. Any delay risks denying thousands the choice of a dignified death, forcing them to suffer unnecessarily.”

Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision said:

“It’s unreasonable that the Government would need four years to set up an assisted dying service. Politicians keep forgetting we are not pioneers in this space. Assisted dying has been legal in many countries for years. We don’t need to develop training and guidance from scratch when it exists extensively in Australia, New Zealand, and many other jurisdictions.

‘Three years is a much better and safer backstop than four and we would support this amendment, however we maintain that the Government should endeavour to implement assisted dying at the earliest opportunity.”

Clare Turner, a mother of two with stage four breast cancer, said:

“This is outrageous for terminally ill people like me. Every delay means more suffering, more people forced to endure unbearable pain against their will. The government needs to stop dragging its feet and act now because the vast majority of the public supports assisted dying. People across the country want this change—so why push it further down the road? We deserve dignity, not delays!”

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 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.