Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision held a rally today on Parliament Square calling for assisted dying legislation for the terminally ill and incurably suffering.
Parliament is holding a Westminster Hall debate on the need for an assisted dying law in England and Wales after an e-petition on the subject reached over 200,000 signatures.
The rally alongside that demonstrates the increasing demand for legislation throughout the UK. Legislation is currently progressing in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man. Both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer have committed to allowing parliamentary time after the next election for the same in England and Wales. It is vital that any law includes provisions for the incurably suffering as well as the terminally ill.
Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson said:
‘Today’s rally has demonstrated that it is time for Parliament to pass an assisted dying law for the terminally ill and incurably suffering. Assisted dying is one of the most widely supported policies and other parts of our islands have started to take steps towards this. A compassionate law supported by clear guidance is what people need, rather than fear of prosecution.’
Humanists UK supports assisted dying in the UK and crown dependencies for those who have made a clear decision, free from coercion, to end their lives and who are physically unable to do so themselves. Humanists UK supports this for people who are of sound mind and are either terminally ill or incurably suffering, and on the basis that there are robust safeguards. 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. It is possible for an assisted dying law to enhance people’s freedoms in precisely this way.
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 07534 248 596.
Read more about our work on assisted dying.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.