Dignity in Dying encourages discussion on assisted dying

Press release |

Silencing the debate forces the issue further underground

The BBC have today been accused of ‘cheerleading’ assisted dying because they plan to run a documentary exploring the issue, headed by Sir Terry Pratchett.

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying said:

“Dignity in Dying campaigns to legalise the choice of assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults only.

“Claims today suggest that it is irresponsible to screen a documentary which explores assisted death; I believe it is irresponsible to attempt to silence discussion of this issue and therefore drive it further underground. People are taking desperate and dangerous decisions at the end of their lives; travelling abroad to die or attempting to end their lives at home, often alone for fear of their loved ones facing prosecution. The situation we are in now is unacceptable, which is why Dignity in Dying campaigns for a change in the law to allow terminally ill, mentally competent adults the choice of an assisted death.

“It is important that people are not silenced on the assisted dying debate – one of society’s biggest issues, and I have no doubt that opponents to choice at the end-of-life will have the opportunity to respond to Terry Pratchett’s documentary in due course.”

Ends

Notes to editor:

About 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.
  • Dignity in Dying has over 25,000 supporters and receives its funding entirely from donations from the public.
  • The British Social Attitudes Survey 2010 found that 92% of non-religious and 71% of religious people support assisted dying. This relates to overall support of 82%.

Media Contacts:

For all Dignity in Dying media enquiries, please contact Jo Cartwright on 020 7479 7737 / 07725433025 or at jo.cartwright@dignityindying.org.uk.