Simon Binner has an assisted death in Switzerland

Our thoughts go out to Simon Binner’s family and friends, and to the countless others who have been forced to make this decision because of the current law. After Parliament decided to reject an assisted dying law last month two more Britons have already gone abroad to control their own death and publically spoke out. Since the Bill was rejected, the total number of Britons to go abroad to die has now exceeded 300. They were forced to break the law and enlist the support of friends and family who are now liable to be prosecuted.

“The reports state that the police have admitted they are not investigating people who announce that they are going abroad to die. This surprising admission demonstrates that the current law is not working. British people should have the right to control the manner and timing of their death in their own country. It would be a safer and more compassionate response to the wishes of dying people.

“One person a fortnight travels abroad to control their own death, usually earlier than they would have if the option had been available to them at home. The law is forcing people to go abroad to have the death that they want, and leaving their loved ones in a state of legal uncertainty about how they will be treated as a result.”

***ENDS***

For all media enquiries please contact michael.charouneau@dignityindying.org.uk / 0207 479 7732 / 07725 433 025

Dignity in Dying
Dignity in Dying campaigns for greater choice, control and access to services at the end of life. It advocates providing terminally ill adults with the option of an assisted death, within strict legal safeguards, and for universal access to high quality end-of-life care.