Switzerland

Nearly 350 Britons have now ended their lives at Dignitas in Switzerland. Those who go with their loved one and are present during the process face the risk of prosecution and up to 14 years in prison when they return to the UK. It is clear that the current legal situation is unacceptable. Until this changes and assisted dying is law this injustice will continue.

By failing to legislate on assisted dying our Parliament condones that, on average, every ten days one Briton travels abroad to die.

We cannot ignore the difficult and painful journey faced by many dying people who the law in the UK is failing.

Travelling abroad to die is by no means an easy decision. There are many challenges dying people have to face:

• Cost of more than £10,000. The law discriminates between rich and poor.
• A difficult journey. Many people travel at a point where they are in great pain and distress.
• A loss of control. The law forces dying people to travel earlier than they would choose. This is because they fear that they will not be able to make the journey later.

Do you have a story to tell?

Telling personal stories can be extremely powerful. We are creating a database of stories and a network of people willing to share their experience to help us strengthen the case for law change.

We know stories are very personal, so rest assured that we will not publicise anything until we have spoken to you and you’ve given your final approval.

If you or a loved one has travelled to Switzerland and are willing to share your experience please let us know using the form below.