Peace is important not just for the living but also for the dying.

Image courtesy of My Death, My Decision

Around 90% of the UK’s population believe assisted dying should be legalised for those suffering from terminal illnesses, according to an opinion poll that shows growing support for change to the law [1]. More than half of MPs personally favour legalising assisted dying [2].

But both euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal under British law [3]. Even helping someone to go to a country where assisted suicide is legal is a criminal offence in the UK.

Despite this vindictive law, about one person a week manages to leave the UK to travel to a civilized country where assisted dying is legal. More and more countries are bringing in such legislation. But the UK parliament refuses to change it’s medieval mindset.

To learn about the personal consequences of this totally unacceptable situation on someone who is terminally ill and their friends and relatives, read the recent moving article in the Guardian [4].

You can take action on this tragic situation. The Dignity in Dying campaign needs your support to change the law on assisted dying and stop unnecessary suffering at the end of life.

You can join them [5] or even start a branch in Coventry. The nearest branch at the time of writing is Warwick [6].

References

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/mar/03/legalise-assisted-dying-for-terminally-ill-say-90-per-cent-of-people-in-uk

[2] https://www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/2021/11/02/majority-of-mps-personally-favour-legalising-assisted-dying-new-poll-reveals/

[3] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/euthanasia-and-assisted-suicide/

[4] https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/20/a-trip-to-switzerland-in-search-of-a-good-death-all-this-instead-of-just-doing-it-in-brighton?

[5] https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/take-action/

[6] https://www.dignityindying.org.uk/campaign-area/warwick/