INFORMATION AND COMMENT

Welsh Parliament to debate assisted dying

Welsh Parliament to debate assisted dying

Majority in Northern Ireland support introduction of assisted dying legislation

Majority in Northern Ireland support introduction of assisted dying legislation

Groundbreaking Citizens’ Jury Backs Legalisation of Assisted Dying

Groundbreaking Citizens’ Jury Backs Legalisation of Assisted Dying

Patient Trust Remains Strong Under Assisted Dying Legislation - New Study

Patient Trust Remains Strong Under Assisted Dying Legislation – New Study

Assisted dying bill published - Our analysis

Assisted dying bill published – Our analysis

Northern Irish assisted dying group launched

Northern Irish assisted dying group launched

Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill passes key vote

Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill passes key vote

Assisted dying bill introduced in parliament

Assisted dying bill introduced in parliament

Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill closer to becoming law

Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill closer to becoming law

A new parliament - what it means for assisted dying

A new parliament – what it means for assisted dying

Lady Hale: lack of assisted dying legislation ”cruel and inhumane”

Lady Hale: lack of assisted dying legislation ”cruel and inhumane”

Ten years since Supreme Court ruled against assisted dying

Ten years since Supreme Court ruled against assisted dying

Former Wales First Minister calls for UK-wide assisted dying law

Former Wales First Minister calls for UK-wide assisted dying law

Where do the main parties stand on assisted dying?

Where do the main parties stand on assisted dying?

Jersey passes historic assisted dying vote

Jersey passes historic assisted dying vote

The views of disabled people within the assisted dying debate

The views of disabled people within the assisted dying debate

Huge Support for Assisted Dying at Rally

Huge Support for Assisted Dying at Rally

Five new Assisted Suicide cases in a year

Five new Assisted Suicide cases in a year

The Assisted Dying Inquiry: A deeper dive into the report

The Assisted Dying Inquiry: A deeper dive into the report

Rally for Assisted Dying

Rally for Assisted Dying

Former Supreme Court president Lady Hale supports assisted dying

Former Supreme Court president Lady Hale supports assisted dying

Isle of Man Assisted Dying Committee Publishes Report

Isle of Man Assisted Dying Committee Publishes Report

Scottish Assisted Dying Bill published

Scottish Assisted Dying Bill published

Jersey closer to assisted dying law for the incurably suffering

Jersey closer to assisted dying law for the incurably suffering

Ireland flag in front of blue sky

Irish committee report in favour of assisted dying

Report highlights assisted dying inequality - My Death, My Decision

Report highlights assisted dying inequality – My Death, My Decision

Sir Keir Starmer pledges to have an assisted dying vote in the next parliament

Sir Keir Starmer pledges to have an assisted dying vote in the next parliament

Assisted dying closer to legalisation in the Republic of Ireland, after a report is set to recommend change.

Assisted dying closer to legalisation in the Republic of Ireland, after a report is set to recommend change.

Assisted dying report lays foundations for legislative change, Parliament must now act

Assisted dying report lays foundations for legislative change, Parliament must now act

Swiss assisted dying data shows proposed UK laws are inadequate

Swiss assisted dying data shows proposed UK laws are inadequate

Rishi backs time for assisted dying vote

Rishi backs time for assisted dying vote

Keir Starmer backs assisted dying vote

Keir Starmer backs assisted dying vote

Assisted Dying debate should happen “sooner rather than later”.

Assisted Dying debate should happen “sooner rather than later”.

Jersey assisted dying ethics review ‘unnecessary’

Jersey assisted dying ethics review ‘unnecessary’

Isle of Man Assisted Dying Bill passes key stage

Isle of Man Assisted Dying Bill passes key stage

Two soaps explore assisted dying at the same time

Today, the Health and Social Care Committee heard testimony from experts from countries where access to assisted dying is permitted based on ‘unbearable suffering’.

Over a third of Church of England priests support assisted dying

Our Summary: The Assisted Dying Inquiry

Our Summary: The Assisted Dying Inquiry

Health Minister: Government will not stand in the way of assisted dying

Health Minister: Government will not stand in the way of assisted dying

Isle of Man takes first step on the road to an assisted dying law

Isle of Man takes first step on the road to an assisted dying law

DIGNITAS: “It’s about time” the UK changes law on assisted dying

DIGNITAS: “It’s about time” the UK changes law on assisted dying

Today, the Health and Social Care Committee heard testimony from experts from countries where access to assisted dying is permitted based on ‘unbearable suffering’.

Dominoes are falling: Majority of surgeons support assisted dying.

Today, the Health and Social Care Committee heard testimony from experts from countries where access to assisted dying is permitted based on ‘unbearable suffering’.

Compassion lead to assisted dying law, say international experts

Assisted dying law forces individuals to end their lives early, say top lawyers

Assisted dying law forces individuals to end their lives early, say top lawyers

Assisted Dying Inquiry: Health and Social Care Committee Takes Next Steps

Assisted Dying Inquiry: Health and Social Care Committee Takes Next Steps

Tim Wardle

Why Dying Matters To Me

Dame Prue Leith becomes MDMD Patron

Dame Prue Leith becomes MDMD Patron

My Death, My Decision Isle of Man launched

My Death, My Decision Isle of Man launched

Senedd deserves power to legalise assisted dying

Senedd deserves power to legalise assisted dying

France’s Citizens’ Jury supports assisted dying

France’s Citizens’ Jury supports assisted dying

On the anniversary of her death, we salute the legacy of the committed assisted dying campaigner Debbie Purdy

Assisted Dying Inquiry - Have your say!

Assisted Dying Inquiry – Have your say!

Assisted Dying inquiry launched

Assisted Dying inquiry launched

Assisted Dying inquiry likely in the new year

Assisted Dying inquiry likely in the new year

Retired NHS manager arrested, subjected to six-month investigation over assisted death

Retired NHS manager arrested, subjected to six-month investigation over assisted death

Macron announces assisted dying citizens assembly

Macron announces assisted dying citizens assembly

Overwhelming 76% support for Liam McArthur’s assisted dying Bill in Scotland

Overwhelming 76% support for Liam McArthur’s assisted dying Bill in Scotland

10 year anniversary of the death of Tony Nicklinson

10 year anniversary of the death of Tony Nicklinson

The CPS have launched a public consultation regarding updated guidance on the prosecution of so called ‘mercy killings’ and suicide pacts. The guidance is used to assist prosecutors in determining whether a prosecution is in the public interest.

Church of England oppose assisted dying

The CPS have launched a public consultation regarding updated guidance on the prosecution of so called ‘mercy killings’ and suicide pacts. The guidance is used to assist prosecutors in determining whether a prosecution is in the public interest.

MPs support assisted dying inquiry in debate

The CPS have launched a public consultation regarding updated guidance on the prosecution of so called ‘mercy killings’ and suicide pacts. The guidance is used to assist prosecutors in determining whether a prosecution is in the public interest.

Assisted dying to be debated by MPs

The CPS have launched a public consultation regarding updated guidance on the prosecution of so called ‘mercy killings’ and suicide pacts. The guidance is used to assist prosecutors in determining whether a prosecution is in the public interest.

Success! Assisted Dying Bill introduced on the Isle Of Man

The CPS have launched a public consultation regarding updated guidance on the prosecution of so called ‘mercy killings’ and suicide pacts. The guidance is used to assist prosecutors in determining whether a prosecution is in the public interest.

Baroness Meacher’s Assisted Dying Bill Fails

My Death, My Decision’s Medical Group is pleased to welcome new co-chair, Graham Winyard CBE, who will lead the group alongside its founder, Colin Brewer.

My Death, My Decision welcomes new Clinical Advisory Group co-chair, Graham Winyard CBE

The CPS have launched a public consultation regarding updated guidance on the prosecution of so called ‘mercy killings’ and suicide pacts. The guidance is used to assist prosecutors in determining whether a prosecution is in the public interest.

Dr Henry Marsh: Why the opponents to assisted dying are wrong

The CPS have launched a public consultation regarding updated guidance on the prosecution of so called ‘mercy killings’ and suicide pacts. The guidance is used to assist prosecutors in determining whether a prosecution is in the public interest.

Serious health conditions more than double suicide rate – ONS

We’re hiring!

The CPS have launched a public consultation regarding updated guidance on the prosecution of so called ‘mercy killings’ and suicide pacts. The guidance is used to assist prosecutors in determining whether a prosecution is in the public interest.

Crown Prosecution Service launches consultation on public interest guidance in so called ‘mercy killing’ cases

On 25 November, in a landmark decision, The States Assembly of Jersey voted by 36 to 10 in support of the principle of legalising assisted dying for citizens of the island. The vote is an important step towards the introduction of legislation on the island and a victory for assisted dying campaigners across Britain.

Jersey votes to approve principle of assisted dying

Assisted dying campaigners have been pressing the Prime Minister to support Baroness Meacher’s Private Member’s Bill, which successfully passed its Second Reading in the House of Lords on 22 October. However, Boris Johnson recently went on the record indicating that he would not support the Bill if it was brought before the House of Commons.

Boris Johnson opposed to assisted dying reform

A British woman who has travelled to Switzerland to end her life has urged politicians to launch a parliamentary inquiry into assisted dying, as her last wish before she died. Her plea has been released by the campaign group My Death, My Decision to coincide with a worldwide ‘beacon of light’ initiative for the legalisation of assisted dying, organised by the World Federation of Right to Die Societies.

Incurably suffering woman calls for change to assisted dying law before ending her life in Switzerland

A new survey has found that a majority of MPs (58%) personally believe assisted dying should be legalised, in at least some circumstances. It also found that nearly half of MPs (45%) would be willing to support a broader change in the law for those with Alzheimer’s disease. And MPs elected since 2019 are the most likely to favour reform.

Majority of MPs personally favour legalising assisted dying, new poll reveals

Plans to allow doctors to help terminally ill adults end their lives are closer to becoming law today, after a new Assisted Dying Bill passed its second reading in the House of Lords.

My Death, My Decision responds to Lords debate of new Assisted Dying Bill

A final report detailing how assisted dying should be legalised has been published from Jersey’s citizens’ jury. The report follows on from an announcement earlier this year, in which 78% of jurors recommended the legalisation of assisted dying for adults who were terminally ill or suffering unbearably. My Death, My Decision has welcomed the publication for shining more light on the factors which led to the panel’s conclusions.

Assisted dying is about letting people die with dignity, stresses citizens’ panel in Jersey

The UK’s largest professional body of doctors has voted to end its 15-year opposition to the legalisation of assisted dying. My Death, My Decision has welcomed the decision as a historic victory in the campaign for assisted dying.

BMA drops opposition to assisted dying

Marking the ninth anniversary of Tony Nicklinson’s death, My Death, My Decision is pleased to announce the winner of this year's Tony Nicklinson memorial essay competition. Rees Johnson, a doctoral candidate at the University of Manchester currently researching the history of assisted dying, impressed the judges with his submission to the question: ‘In a society that wants legal assisted dying, who should be eligible for a right to die?’.

MDMD congratulates winner of 2021 Tony Nicklinson essay competition

Hundreds of households joined My Death, My Decision’s panel event online on 21 July, to hear from Polly Toynbee, Dr Wendy Savage, Diane Munday, and Natika Haliland their fascinating discussion on the topic of ‘A Woman’s Choice? Fighting for the right to die and women’s rights’.

The right to die is the last great freedom still to be won, say expert panellists at online MDMD event

A panel of islanders has voted overwhelmingly in favour of changing the law on assisted dying in Jersey.

Citizens’ jury on assisted dying paves the way for legislation in Jersey, with majority backing reform

A new Bill to legalise assisted dying has been lodged in the Scottish Parliament. Its backers include My Death, My Decision’s partners in the Assisted Dying Coalition – Humanist Society Scotland and Friends At the End – and a cross-party group of 12 MSPs. My Death, My Decision has welcomed the proposals, which it hopes will spur action in Westminster.

Assisted Dying Bill introduced to Scottish Parliament

Paul Lamb, the incurably suffering campaigner well-known for challenging the law prohibiting assisted dying in England and Wales, has died at his home aged 65.

Paul Lamb, resolute assisted dying campaigner, has died aged 65

Following the death of determined campaigner Noel Conway last week, My Death, My Decision offers condolences to his friends and family.

My Death, My Decision marks the death of assisted dying campaigner Noel Conway

Assisted dying campaigner urges lawmakers not to forget the incurably suffering, as new Bill is introduced into the Lords

Submissions are invited for a new annual award, ‘The Tony Nicklinson Memorial Prize’ sponsored by My Death, My Decision. The prize (£500) is aimed at developing and fostering an interest in end-of-life choices and patient autonomy. This award is specifically aimed at trainees/ students (including undergraduates/ postgraduates/ doctoral candidates in medicine, allied healthcare professions, law, philosophy, and social sciences), and is in commemoration of the late right to die campaigner Tony Nicklinson.

Submissions invited: The Tony Nicklinson Memorial Prize

At least 3 in 10 people who travel to Switzerland for assisted deaths are unknown to the authorities, according to new research by the campaign group My Death, My Decision. Campaigners have said the findings raise serious questions about the current law’s effectiveness, and underlines the need for a fresh Parliamentary inquiry into assisted dying.

Police fail to detect up to 30% of assisted deaths, new research finds

Henry Marsh, a leading neurosurgeon and patron of My Death, My Decision, has called for an ‘essential’ inquiry into assisted dying. He has been prompted by a cancer diagnosis, and been backed by a group of 56 MPs and peers who have sent a joint letter to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, calling for an inquiry. The letter was organised by My Death, My Decision and Humanists UK.

50+ MPs and peers and MDMD patron Henry Marsh, after cancer diagnosis, call for assisted dying inquiry

Spain is now the fourth European country to adopt an assisted dying law that permits a medically assisted death to those who are terminally ill or incurably suffering, after Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The Spanish parliament passed the bill on 18th March 2021 with 202 votes in favour, 141 against and two abstentions. Like the UK, Spain has strong public support for the change.

Spain legalises assisted dying

My Death, My Decision has counselled against proposals to water down the Human Rights Act 1998, in response to a consultation from a review panel set up by the Government.

Human Rights Act review must not undermine fundamental freedoms, warns My Death, My Decision

My Death, My Decision has informed Irish lawmakers it strongly supports proposals to legalise assisted dying for the incurably suffering in Ireland. In response to a consultation on the Death with Dignity Bill - which if passed, will enable Northern Irish citizens to access an assisted death by travelling to the Republic - MDMD said it welcomed the Bill’s forward-thinking principles and inclusive eligibility criteria.

My Death, My Decision responds to Republic of Ireland’s Death with Dignity Bill consultation

My Death, My Decision has urged lawmakers in Northern Ireland to recognise a right to die, as part of the Assembly’s efforts to expand human rights protections.

MDMD calls for Northern Ireland’s Bill of Rights to include a right to die

Portuguese lawmakers have voted in support of legal assisted dying for the incurably suffering, making a change in the law one step closer to reality. My Death, My Decision has welcomed the move as a historic step forward in the predominantly Catholic country, and said it will now add renewed pressure on the UK to follow suit.

Portugal’s Parliament passes assisted dying bill

My Death, My Decision has responded to the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ review of Covid-19, by calling for an immediate review of the UK’s laws on assisted dying.

Covid-19 has exposed the need for a review of our assisted dying laws, says MDMD to parliamentary human rights committee

Jersey’s government is moving forward with plans to convene a citizens’ assembly on assisted dying, and has invited more than 4,000 residents to register their interest in taking part. The move has been welcomed by My Death, My Decision as a positive step towards securing a meaningful change in the law.

Jersey forges ahead with citizens’ jury on assisted dying

The Sunday Telegraph has published a letter to the editor from My Death, My Decision’s Chair, Trevor Moore, in response to a column by Ruth Davidson.

My Death, My Decision’s Chair responds to Ruth Davidson’s Telegraph column on assisted dying

Austria’s constitutional court has ruled a ban on helping ‘seriously ill’ people ending their own lives is unconstitutional, in a landmark ruling which has been welcomed by My Death, My Decision.

Austrian court overturns ban on assisted dying

The Court of Appeal has rejected a bid from Paul Lamb to challenge the law banning assisted dying, in a judgment expected to end further legal cases for the foreseeable future. We are disappointed at the decision and urge Parliament not to allow this ruling to become the last word on assisted dying.

Court of Appeal refuses Paul Lamb the opportunity to challenge the law on assisted dying

In an urgent parliamentary question on 5th Nov 2020, the day a second lockdown was introduced in England, Andrew Mitchell (MP) asked the Health Secretary Matt Hancock to make a statement on the impact of new coronavirus regulations on the ability of terminally ill adults to travel abroad for an assisted death.

Travel to Switzerland for an Assisted Death not Criminalised by Lockdown Legislation

New Zealand has overwhelmingly voted to legalise assisted dying by 65.2% to 33.8%, according to the preliminary results of a nation-wide referendum. My Death, My Decision has welcomed the result as a decisive victory for campaigners, which will add renewed pressure on the UK to follow suit.

Assisted Dying Referendum: New Zealand votes to overturn ban on assisted dying

My Death, My Decision is delighted to announce the appointment of its newest patron, Adam Kay. Adam is an award-winning British comedian, writer, and former doctor.

My Death, My Decision welcomes new patron, Adam Kay

The British Medical Association has announced that following a landmark members’ survey on the topic more doctors would prefer for the BMA to actively support assisted dying, than those who oppose or are neutral. My Death, My Decision has welcomed the announcement as a clear signal that the BMA must now drop its opposition to assisted dying.

Doctors vote to end BMA’s opposition to assisted dying in historic survey

Two GPs have threatened the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) with legal action after it decided earlier this year to remain opposed to assisted dying, despite a majority of GPs in a prior consultation wanting it to move to be neutral or supportive stance.

Royal College of GPs threatened with legal action over hostile assisted dying stance

The renowned neurosurgeon and best-selling author, Dr Henry Marsh, has warned that legal assisted dying could be less likely if a law was restricted to those with only 6 months left to live.

Arbitrary six month limit for assisted dying would weaken arguments for reform, says renowned neurosurgeon

The families and living claimants from most of the past right-to-die cases have come together for the first time, and called for an inquiry into assisted dying. In a joint letter, the campaigners, involved in more than two decades of legal cases, say that recent evidence now makes the case for an inquiry ‘overwhelming’ and have urged Parliament not to ‘turn a blind eye’ to the suffering caused by the current law.

A generation of assisted dying campaigners demand an inquiry into the law

Conservative MP, Andrew Mitchell, in a recent Sky News interview, suggests that the law on Assisted Dying may change within this parliament. 'I was, as a student and as a young MP, adamantly opposed to Assisted Dying and over the years my view has changed completely' he said. His comments have been welcomed by right-to-die campaigners, and follows after Daniel Kawcynski MP claimed his view on Assisted Dying had changed.

Parliament could legalise assisted dying within 4 years, says ex Cabinet Minister

A new book released by the campaign group Dignity in Dying, ‘Last Rights - The Case for Assisted Dying’, has explored arguments on assisted dying in the wake of Covid-19. The publication has been welcomed by the campaign group My Death, My Decision, and an in-depth review has been written by lead campaign commentator Phil Cheatle.

New Book ‘Last Rights’ prompts discussion on assisted dying reform

One of Canada’s leading assisted dying doctors, Dr Stefanie Green, has urged politicians to ‘listen to the evidence’ on assisted dying, as part of the 2020 Doran Lecture, an annual lecture series hosted in memory of Frank Doran MP and by My Death, My Decision.

Listen to the evidence’ on assisted dying, says renowned assisted dying expert at My Death, My Decision’s 2020 Doran Lecture.

A former nurse has opened up about how cruel it feels to refuse patients, who do not want to endure weeks of suffering, the option of a legal assisted death.

Patients can mistakenly believe assisted dying is available in the UK, causing additional mental suffering, warns former nurse.

My Death, My Decision has responded to a consultation on the future of justice in Wales by calling for assisted dying to be devolved - in order to unify Wales’ end-of-life care under one administration. My Death, My Decision hopes that this consultation will ignite the Welsh Parliament to set a national standard by reforming the law on assisted dying, as it has previously done on issues such as organ donation.

Ban on assisted dying undermines end-of-life care in Wales, suggests My Death, My Decision

A 34-year-old man who is on life-support will be allowed to die following a ruling from the Court of Protection. The man, known as ‘MSP’ for legal reasons, has suffered from ‘painful and complex abdominal problems’ for more than a decade. His life could only continue if he had a permanent stoma inserted. This was something that he had tried but found unacceptable and had removed. Shortly afterwards he was readmitted to hospital as an emergency.

Adults have a right to shape and control their end-of-life, says Court of Protection

Award-winning journalist of the Times’ Spinal Column and author of The World I Fell Out Of Melanie Reid MBE, has criticised attempts to limit assisted dying for those with only six months left to live, in a filmed interview shown at an online event jointly hosted by My Death, My Decision and Friends at the End.

Restricting assisted dying to the terminally ill would be ‘totally arbitrary’, says disabled journalist Melanie Reid

An article published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has called upon healthcare professionals to respect their patients’ end-of-life wishes, and ensure that the rights of those receiving care are protected during coronavirus. The article, written by My Death, My Decision’s Medical Group, states that medics should not feel pressured into providing everyone with potentially futile treatments, if the effect of that treatment would be to merely prolong their suffering.

Medical voices urge doctors to respect patients’ wishes about coronavirus

The Netherlands’ highest court has ruled that doctors can honour euthanasia requests for adults with advanced Alzheimer's, provided they have signed a written request beforehand.

Dutch court backs assistance to die for people with advanced Alzheimer’s

My Death, My Decision was sad to learn that the celebrated right-to-die activist Barbara Smoker has died aged 97.

Distinguished right-to-die activist Barbara Smoker dies

A parliamentary committee has recommended that the Australian state of Queensland should legalise voluntary assisted dying for adults with an advanced terminal illness.

Queensland – the next Australian state to legalise Assisted Dying?

An incurably suffering man, who wants the option of a legal assisted death, has decided to end his life by starving himself to death - while the choice is still within his control to make.

MDMD condemns inhumane lack of choice, as incurably suffering man is forced to starve himself to death

The family of an unnamed woman who travelled to Switzerland to die in secrecy have criticised the current ban on assisted dying for denying their family and close friends a right-to-say-goodbye.

Assisted Dying laws forced our mum to die without the right-to-say-goodbye, says grieving family

In a nationwide first, the Jersey Health Minister has said he will establish a public forum of 12 - 24 citizens to consider the issue of assisted dying reform. My Death, My Decision has welcomed the decision, which it is hoped will mark the beginning of a process to allow those who are incurably suffering or terminally ill to access a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted deaths.

Jersey will establish a Citizens ‘Jury’ on Assisted Dying

Leila Bell, an 85 year old Canadian, suffered from early stage Alzheimer's disease. She died in August 2019 using the Canadian Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation. However, in an in depth interview shortly before her death, she explains that she is angry that she had to end her life as soon as she did, because she was afraid that if she delayed, she might lose her mental capacity. Mental capacity at the time of an assisted death is one of the safeguards in the current Canadian MAID legislation.

Do Alzheimer’s sufferers have to choose assisted dying too soon?

Germany’s constitutional court has ruled that a law forbidding professional assistance to die is unconstitutional, in a move that is being seen as a major victory for assisted dying campaigners.

Germany’s top court overturns ban on physician-assisted dying

The Canadian government has proposed changing the law on assisted dying to extend access for those who are not terminally ill.

Canada moves to broaden assisted dying law

A diverse range of thirty doctors, philosophers, academics, and campaigners have signed an open letter, which appeared in the Guardian today, urging members of the British Medical Association to support assisted dying in the ongoing survey.

Distinguished Doctors and Philosophers urge BMA members to support assisted dying

The Royal College of General Practitioners has maintained its 14-year opposition to assisted dying, despite a majority of GPs voting to support a change in the law or adopt a neutral stance.

Royal College of General Practitioners maintain opposition to assisted dying

A Facebook advertisement by the anti-assisted dying organisation Our duty of care UK has been taken down for failing to disclose who paid for it.

Dark money anti-assisted dying ad taken down from Facebook

My Death, My Decision has called on the British Medical Association (BMA) members to consider compassion and empathy by voting in favour of assisting dying in the association’s consultation which closes on 27 February.

MDMD urges BMA to vote in favour of compassion and empathy

Phil Newby has been denied permission by the Court of Appeal to challenge the UK’s prohibitive law on assisted dying.

Assisted dying campaigner Phil Newby refused permission by Court of Appeal

Secretary of State for Justice, Robert Buckland QC, has announced that he is considering a review into the law on assisted dying, adding there is a need to ‘take into account compassionate reasons’.

Justice Secretary considers review into assisted dying

MPs from across the political divide have supported calls for an independent inquiry into assisted dying. My Death, My Decision welcomed MPs’ support on this issue.

MPs debate assisted dying call for evidence

The Canadian Government has launched a consultation on changing its law on medically assisted dying.
Under its current rules, Canadian adults who are of sound mind can voluntarily request an assisted death, if they suffer from a grievous and irremediable medical condition, and are in a state of irreversible decline - resulting in intolerable suffering and a reasonably foreseeable death.

Canada forges ahead with consultation on assisted dying for the incurably suffering

Early in December, My Death, My Decision supporter Richard chose to end his life in Switzerland.

MDMD marks the death of assisted dying supporter

Today, the High Court has rejected permission for Paul Lamb, a severely disabled man, to challenge the law on assisted dying.

High Court refuses permission for Paul Lamb’s right-to-die case

Phil Newby, an incurably suffering father of two, has been denied permission to challenge the UK’s ban on assisted dying.
In a handed down judgment from the High Court, Lord Justice Irwin and Mrs Justice May ruled against permission to judicially review the UK’s ban on assisted dying.

Phil Newby denied permission to challenge the UK’s ban on assisted dying

The UK’s largest medical body, the Royal College of General Practitioners, has launched a consultation on whether to change its policy on assisted dying, which it currently opposes.

UK’s largest medical body launches assisted dying survey

MDMD commented recently on how the current Canadian Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation was now starting to be used in some early stage dementia cases. A recent 30-minute radio programme broadcast by CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) discusses another case in depth. The programme and a detailed summary are available on their website.

New Guidelines for Canadian Medical Assistance to die in early stage Dementia cases

An image of paralympic champion Marieke Vervoort.

Belgian Paralympian chooses to end her life with medical assistance

Phil Newby, a man who is facing incurable suffering and wants the right to challenge the UK’s ban on assisted dying, yesterday appealed for permission before the High Court.

Phil Newby asks High Court for the right to challenge the UK’s ban on assisted dying

Canadians have had legal access to medical aid in dying (MAID), the preferred term there, since June 2016. The Canadian law does not limit MAID to those who are expected to die within six months, as is the case in those USA and Australian states that permit assisted dying, (the 'Oregon model'). Instead their law uses the phrase

Medical Aid in Dying for those with early stage Dementia in Canada

Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that the number of deaths attributed to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia continues to rise. 1 in 8 of all deaths in England and Wales were caused by dementia in 2018. For women over 80 the figure rises to 1 in 4. A defining aspect of MDMD is that we campaign for a change in the law to allow assisted dying for those in early stage dementia, provided that the sufferer still has mental capacity to make a life ending decision.

Book Review: O, Let me not get Alzheimer’s Sweet Heaven!

oday marks one year since the right-to-die campaigner Omid T ended his life in Switzerland. To honour the anniversary, My Death, My Decision has released the exclusive extract from the last interview of Omid T, courtesy of ‘Endgame’ director Andi Reiss and Yellow Media Entertainment.

Marking one year since assisted dying campaigner Omid T’s death

The Quebec Superior Court has struck down a restriction under Canada’s law on assisted dying against those with progressive and incurable illnesses as unconstitutional.

Canadian court rules in favour of assisted dying for the incurably suffering

17 People a Day Will Suffer As They Die

Two recent news stories concerning suicide inquests demonstrate again how the current assisted suicide law prevents people who are incurably suffering having the peaceful death they would choose.

Two more bad deaths show how the current law is failing

To mark the tenth anniversary of Debbie Purdy's landmark assisted dying case, which resulted in the current Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) guidelines on the Assisted Suicide law, My Death, My Decision has published an open letter to the incoming Secretary of State for Justice, Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, calling for a review into the working of the Assisted Suicide law in England and Wales. The Guardian published the letter on the anniversary date of 30th July. The call follows a recent parliamentary debate on the issue in which MPs made a similar call.

Open Letter to the Secretary of State for Justice

The common understanding of the term

Government to review “Terminal Illness” definition

On 4th July 2019 the House of Commons had the first opportunity to debate assisted dying since the Marris Bill failed in September 2015. The debate can be seen in full here. Prior to the debate MDMD circulated this briefing to MPs.

Parliamentary debate on the UK Assisted Suicide Law

Phil Newby, 48, who suffers from advanced Motor Neurone Disease, has announced his intention to bring a new legal case challenging the UK’s law on assisted dying.

Another incurably suffering man launches new assisted dying challenge

My Time to Die

BMA to poll members on assisted dying

Rational Suicide in the Elderly: the US perspective

This year's BBC Reith lecturer is former supreme court judge Jonathan Sumption QC, who was one of the judges in the Tony Nicklinson case. In his first lecture

Autonomy and Safety of Assisted Suicide Law – reflecting on Jonathan Sumption’s Reith Lecture comments

Paul Lamb, who previously took his case for the right to die to the Supreme Court, is now seeking to bring forth a new attempt to change the UK’s law on assisted dying.

MDMD welcomes the news that patron, Paul Lamb, intends to bring a new right-to-die case

Endgame is a documentary made over 18 months in 2017/8 by independent film maker Andi Reiss. It has been shown, with much praise, at many film festivals and at independent venues. He has now made it available to view on his Vimeo site.

‘Endgame’ Documentary on Assisted Dying Available Online

My Death, My Decision was saddened to hear recently of the death of Dr Michael O'Donnell, a distinguished member of our Medical group and an active supporter of assisted dying. As Michael proudly recalled in his short CV when he joined us,

Death of MD.MG’s Distinguished Member Dr Michael O’Donnell

On 12th April 2019 the Governor of the US state of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, signed a bill into law which allows assisted suicide for those who have mental capacity, are terminally ill, and are within six months of dying. The law is based on a similar law in Oregon which has been in force for over 20 years.

New Jersey Legalises Assisted Dying

A major push is being made to change the law in Scotland, led by Dignity in Dying (Scotland). MDMD strongly supports this. Although their campaign is limited to the

Renewed campaign to legalise assisted dying in Scotland.

Today, doctors voted to change the Royal College of Physicians policy on assisted dying to neutral and not oppose any change in the law.

Doctors vote for the Royal College of Physicians to adopt a neutral position on assisted dying

A new medical organisation in favour of assisted dying has been formed in the UK and will work to change the law on assisted dying to allow people in the UK who want the option of a safe and dignified assisted death.

Acclaimed Doctors Call Upon Parliament To Stop Ignoring Assisted Dying Reform

Recently, it was reported that Sarah Ninian, the wife of Alexander Ninian who ended his life at the Swiss clinic Dignitas in 2017, was entitled to inherit from her husband.

The ‘forfeiture’ rule and assisted dying – punishing compassionate families?

MDMD has released the results of research it sponsored through the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen). The work tested public acceptability of various forms of assisted dying. In all cases considered the person is suffering from an incurable illness and feels their quality of life in below the level they are prepared to accept (or will soon become so). They have sufficient mental capacity to make a life-ending decision and have considered this option carefully, discussing it with professionals who have agreed that their request is within the (hypothetical) law.

93% think that assisted dying is acceptable in at least some situations

BBC Radio 4 recently broadcast a 2 part programme about Debbie Purdy. The first part is a dramatisation of the story of how Debbie took her legal case to the House of Lords and as a result caused the director of public prosecutions, (DPP), to issue guidelines clarifying the facts to be considered when deciding whether someone should be prosecuted for assisting suicide.

The Legacy of Debbie Purdy – Radio 4 programme

Last week, Jersey’s Council of Ministers announced that a new commission will research end of life options, including the legalisation of assisted dying and dying well The announcement follows after more than 1,800 people signed a petition from End of Life Choices Jersey (MDMD’s partner in the newly formed Assisted Dying Coalition).

Jersey Government Will Research Assisted Dying Reform

Today, in an oral question relating to the Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) Policy for Prosecutors in Respect of Cases of Encouraging or Assisting Suicide, several members of the House of Lords, asked Lord Keen about the law prohibiting on assisted dying. Below is a transcript of the questions.

“I readily acknowledge that many of these cases are tragic.” says HM Advocate General for Scotland and MoJ spokesperson for the Lords The Rt Hon Lord Keen of Elie QC

Assisted Dying Coalition launches

‘Five to Midnight’ Before Dementia Takes Over

Today, the Daily Mail published an article by Dominic Lawson, criticising the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) decision to poll their members on assisted dying. His article misses some important points.

MDMD Campaign Policy Director responds Dominic Lawson

Christopher Bellaigue raises an important question for those of us who advocate for assisted dying reform. In a society which permits euthanasia, what are the acceptable limits to autonomy? As the Netherlands has demonstrated, this question yields no easy answers, and its answer will differ depending upon one’s moral, social and religious background. Yet whilst Bellaigue is right to have raised such an important question, he is wrong to have drawn such a quick conclusion.

“Euthanasia in the Netherlands”. Look again, when someone says death will be available on demand.

MDMD’s Campaigns and Communication Manager, Keiron McCabe, breaks down the new Clinically-Assisted Hydration and Nutrition Guidance from the British Medical Association
Recently, writing in the Daily Mail, Dr Max Pemberton criticised the new British Medical Association’s (BMA) “Clinically-assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) Guidance”, for allowing “one Facebook post [to] be enough to bring about your death”.

Pulling “the plug on your life support … because of a message you left on facebook” – Fact or Fiction?

On Tuesday 11th December, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on End of Life Choices, met to hear from Dr Sandy Buchman and Professor Sir John Temple, on the role of doctors within a public discourse on assisted dying.

Parliament hears from top Canadian Doctors, on the experiences of assisted dying abroad

In October 2018 it is reported that the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) broke ranks with the American Medical Association (AMA) by adopting a position of “engaged neutrality” on assisted suicide and euthanasia.

American Family Physicians Association (AAFP) changes position on medical aid in dying

MDMD Coordinator asks Baroness Finlay how to avoid late stage dementia

Recently the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), in a widely reported statement, called for doctors to start talking about death earlier. It followed from a report, “Talking about Dying”, which found only 4% of patients talk to their doctors about dying or benefit from advanced care planning.

Talking about Dying – More than Meets the Eye?

Today, assisted dying campaigner Noel Conway has lost permission to bring a case before the Supreme Court.
Diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) four years ago, the retired teacher from Shrewsbury, is dependent upon a ventilator for up to 23 hours a day and has limited movement in his right hand, neck and head. Mr Conway now says that he wants the choice to decide when and how to die. However, he would be unable to do so without assistance.

PRESS RELEASE: Right to Die Campaigner Noel Conway Loses challenge in UK’s Highest Court

The BBC2 documentary by Louis Theroux, “Choosing Death”, which aired on Sunday 18th November 2018 and is available on iPlayer until May 2019, showed examples of the Oregon/California right to die law in action. The Oregon model, which is now available in seven US states, has proven itself to be an important first step for the right to die.

Assisted Dying in the USA, A Good First Step But Room for Improvement

PRESS RELEASE: A New Documentary Has Explored the Realities of Oregon’s Assisted Dying Model

In October 2018, the National Secular Society and the Secular Medical Forum held a joint conference on Healthcare and Secularism. The final two talks concerned assisted dying and the right to die. Both talks were excellent. Videos of the talks are available on YouTube and are embedded here with some description and comments.

Videos from Healthcare and Secularism 2018 Conference

Dementia and Alzheimer’s still increasing as leading cause of death

Video Evidence helps in Rational Suicide Inquest

The Omid T Judicial Review: “Bound to be Dismissed”?

MDMD's Campaigns and Communications Manager, Keiron McCabe, spoke exclusively with “Endgame” director Andi Reiss about Omid’s journey. Andi was present at Omid's medically assisted suicide in Switzerland.

Exclusive Interview with Andi Reiss, Film Director, and personal friend of Omid

On October 4th 2018, assisted dying campaigner, Omid T chose to end his life by a medically assisted suicide at Lifecircle near Basle, Switzerland. Although Omid was still awaiting the outcome of his landmark legal case, Omid’s suffering prevented him from waiting any longer.

Omid Ends his life at Lifecircle in Switzerland

Economist Essay Series on Assisted Dying

Supreme court decision on withholding food and drink in PVS cases

MDMD are delighted to learn that the Scottish parliament has removed any time limit from its definition of

Scottish Parliament removes time limit in definition of “terminally ill”

Breakfast TV News presenter Eamonn Holmes has been widely quoted in the media for openly saying that he would prefer a medically assisted death if he developed dementia. A Sun on Sunday article strongly supports him. A Daily Mail article also covered the story, its comments show strong support for Eamonn's view.

Eamonn Holmes wants an assisted death in Switzerland if he has dementia – but he shouldn’t rely on others.

Dr David Goodall (104) travels from Australia for a Good Death in Switzerland

MDMD Associate Coordinator Colin Brewer represented MDMD at the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on End of Life Choices. Here is his report...

Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on End of Life Choices meeting

Should we be able to choose our own death?

Should we be able to choose our own death?

Dignitas hit out at UK politicians

Extending the Oregon Right to Die Law. Evidence of a “Slippery Slope”?

The latest stage of Omid’s legal case to be allowed an assisted death in the UK was heard in the High Court on 7/8th March 2018. The Daily Mail reported it here.

The courts may be able to wait, but Omid can’t.

Is the Dutch Euthanasia law working as intended?

The Observer recently published a story about Wendy Mitchell, an Alzheimer's sufferer whose memoir, 'Somebody I Used to Know', has recently been published. The article gives in interesting insight into how Wendy copes with the devastating diagnosis of dementia at the age of 58. Wendy is described as an energetic single mother of two adult daughters who had worked as an NHS administrator.

Living with Dementia – comparing two cases of Early Onset Dementia

The Telegraph reports that the coroner investigating the death of Lady Lucan in September 2017 recorded a verdict of suicide. Lady Lucan is reported to have

Lady Lucan Coronor’s Suicide Verdict – Fear of Parkinson’s Disease

Hospital trust pays out £45,000 for ignoring an Advance Decision

New Report on Outsourcing Assisted Dying to Switzerland

Excellent news from Australia. Further to our previous report, the upper house of the Australian state of Victoria has passed a Voluntary Assisted Dying bill. The bill passed by 22 to 18 after a 28 hour sitting. The progress is reported in this Guardian article.

Victoria, Australia law passes the upper house

The Daily Telegraph has been following another case relating to assisted suicide / murder. Pharmacist Bipin Desai was accused of giving his 85 year old father a lethal drink containing concentrated morphine stolen from the pharmacy where he worked. The high court judge threw out the charge of murder, allowing Mr Desai to go free with a nine month jail sentence suspended for nine months for assisting suicide.

Pharmacist driven to break a bad law.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s increasingly the leading cause of death

When is it right to turn off Life Support?

Omid T suffers from Multiple Systems Atrophy. An incurable condition which has permanently reduced his quality of life below the level he is able to accept. It is not a terminal condition - he may have to continue suffering against his will for many years. Omid is taking legal action to request medical assistance to die. He is unable to take his own life, with dignity, without assistance.

Update on Omid T’s High Court Case

Is “Mercy Killing” ever the right thing to do?

MS Sufferer Colin Campbell’s deferred assisted death raises important questions about help for the disabled

MDMD is pleased to see that an assisted dying bill in Victoria is making good progress, having passed a vote in the lower house by 47 to 37. The Bill still needs to pass a vote in the upper house.

Progress in Victoria, Australia

In a short Radio 4 programme in the series

Lord Carey explains his change of mind on Assisted Dying

Court Ruling no longer needed before life-support is withdrawn from patients with severe illnesses

An interesting scientific study of attitudes in UK and USA towards end of life care and assisted dying in the face of worsening dementia, was published in April 2017 in the peer reviewed on-line journal Plos One:

Preferences for care at end of life when mental capacity is diminishing

A paper recently published in the Lancet (and available online), has been reported widely. The headline statement is that

New research on the increasing amount of care people need at the end of life.

Should a right-to-die extend to those with psychiatric conditions?

MDMD could hardly ignore a recent article in the political weekly The Spectator. Its author, Jessica Berens, attended one of Dr Philip Nitschke’s ‘£50 suicide workshops’, along with '80 or so men and women, grey-haired and crepe-soled’ who break for tea after Dr Nitschke has described and demonstrated various DIY techniques ‘in much the same manner that a member of the Women’s Institute might present a talk on the best way to make marmalade’.

Spectator article on suicide workshops

The Sunday Times today published an article on the end of life plans of MDMD founder Dr Michael Irwin. (The organisation he founded was the Society for Old Age Rational Suicide, SOARS, which democratically chose to change its name to My Death, My Decision in 2016.)

MDMD Founder Dr Michael Irwin Discusses His End-of-life Plans

Farewell to Lord Joffe

Canada legalised a limited form of assisted dying in 2016. A long article in the New York Times gives a detailed and inspiring account of John Shields who died by lethal injection in British Columbia. He suffered from an incurable condition, amyloidosis, which gave him increasing pain that he no longer wished to endure.

A Good (Assisted) Death in Canada

The Mail on Sunday published a story about MDMD supporter Alex Pandolfo who suffers from Alzheimer's and is planning to end his life at Lifecircle in Switzerland. It is a significant article as Alex is explaining his reasons before he ends his life. He mentions one of his difficulties as being the timing of when to end his life. He wants to live as long as possible, but not risk leaving it too late, when his mental capacity is lost.

Dementia sufferer plans to go to Lifecircle

Suspended sentence for failed mercy killer

MS Sufferer heading to Switzerland while he still can

Avoiding Prolonged Dementia

Today a new legal case to challenge the law on assisted dying is seeking financial backing. Please can you help!
The law firm Bindmans are representing 'Omid' who was diagnosed with the incurable illness, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), in 2014. He is now largely confined to bed, has to wear a catheter bag and needs help with all personal care. He has difficulty speaking, and has lost much control in his arms and hands - making him unable to attempt suicide unaided. (A previous attempt failed.)

New Legal Challenge on Assisted Dying

On 6th March 2017 the House of Lords held a short debate on Assisted Dying

House Of Lords Debate on Assisted Dying

Senior judge ends his life after being diagnosed with dementia

Rational Suicide in the Elderly: Clinical, Ethical, and Sociocultural Aspects
by Robert E. McCue (Editor), Meera Balasubramaniam (Editor)

Book Review: Rational Suicide in the Elderly

Today the Mail on Sunday published an article about the father of an MDMD supporter who ended his life at Dignitas. Penny's father Ron Hall suffered from early stage dementia. The psychiatric assessment to ensure he still had mental capacity to make the life ending decision was done by MDMD's associate coordinator, Colin Brewer. Interestingly, the article goes on to point out that Colin regularly has to refuse an assessment of adequate mental capacity when, in his professional opinion, the person is no longer lucid enough to make the decision to take their life.

Dementia sufferers ending their lives in Switzerland

PRESS RELEASE: MDMD Response to Noel Conway’s legal challenge on Assisted Dying

Over 100 Minimally conscious patients

Ironically, the option of euthanasia can prolong life, and its quality.

The Daily Mirror reports the story of Andrew Barclay who ended his life at Dignitas in Switzerland. It includes a clear and articulate video statement made by Andrew shortly before his death. He had been suffering from MS for 25 years, but it was when his illness entered the secondary progressive stage that Andrew decided that his quality of life was incurably below the level he could tolerate, and that he should take steps to end it. He took time to discuss the decision with his family who, with obvious difficulty, accepted and supported him.

MS sufferer Andrew Barclay ends his life at Dignitas

The case of Paul Briggs, reported in the Daily Telegraph and other papers, highlights why everyone should write an Advance Decision (AD) to refuse medical treatment in case they are ever in a situation where they would wish to refuse treatment, but are unable to speak for themselves. Mr Briggs situation shows how this could happen to anyone at anytime. ADs are not just for elderly people whose death in imminent.

Why everyone should write an Advance Decision – the case of Paul Briggs

Dementia now leading cause of death

We were interested to see an article on the Christian Institute website about MDMD, claiming that we

Protecting Vulnerable People

How long do we really want to live for?

MDMD Website launched

Archbishop Desmond Tutu: I want the option of an assisted death

Belgian Paralympian wants Euthanasia… but not yet.

Euthanasia linked to Organ Donation

What is “Unbearable”?

Two BMJ Blog posts on assisted dying in Dementia and Psychiatric cases.

In 2006 Lord Rix, who was president of Mencap, voted against an assisted dying bill in the House of Lords. Now, aged 92, and terminally ill himself, he has changed his mind, and has called on the speaker of the House of Lords to open the debate again:

Lord Rix changes his mind in support of legalised euthanasia

New Scientist reports on assisted suicide for psychiatric cases

Man shot wife with dementia in care home ‘to end suffering’ – BBC News

he Daily Telegraph reports the case of a Devon couple in their '80s who successfully carried out a joint suicide. From the article it appears that this was a rational, well thought out, end of life choice. However, it is unfortunate that this couple needed to end their lives in this way. Perhaps, with more compassionate and flexible legislation they might have been able to have a better death. In particular:

Couple in joint suicide pact to avoid going into care

Euthanasia 2016

Helping my Father Go To DIGNITAS

On 11th Sept 2015 MPs rejected an Assisted Dying Bill proposed by Rob Marris MP. The Bill would have permitted assisted suicide for people who requested it if they were suffering from a terminal illness and had a life expectancy of 6 months or less.

House of Commons Rejects Assisted Dying Bill

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