What is assisted dying?
Assisted dying allows a dying adult to make the choice of their own free will to take prescribed medication to end their life, after meeting strict legal safeguards. The person must be terminally ill, must be fully informed of all their options and must have the mental capacity to make the decision
The case for assisted dying
We campaign because we believe that no one should have to suffer against their wishes at the end of life. We believe that if a mentally competent, dying adult is suffering unbearably, they should be allowed the choice of an assisted death.
• Even the best end-of-life care cannot end the suffering of all dying patients and for a small but important group of terminally ill people, there will always be a desire for assisted dying. This fact is acknowledged by Macmillan Cancer Support, the British Medical Association, and the National Council of Palliative Care.
• Without the choice of assisted dying, many dying adults are frightened about their suffering in the last days and weeks of life. Without the comfort of the option of assisted dying, many try to end their own lives without any advice from health or social care professionals.
• Some dying adults attempt suicide, some refuse food and water to bring about their death, and many ask family members or loved ones to help them die. Those who can afford to may travel abroad for an assisted death and over the last few years, one Briton per fortnight has travelled to Switzerland to die. All of these people are denied the choice of a safe assisted death, in their own home, surrounded by those they love, at a time of their choosing.
Why Campaign?
Despite 80% public support for assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults, a small minority continue to campaign against greater choice at the end of life. Only by pulling together can we put an end to unnecessary suffering and give dying adults the choice that they deserve. Join the Campaign for Dignity in Dying for free today and help us make the choice of assisted dying a reality.