Dignity in Dying statement on death of two members, Mr and Mrs Milner

On the news that a British couple, Mr and Mrs Milner, chose to end their lives this weekend and in doing so called for a change in Britain’s assisted suicide law, Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying said:

“We are saddened by the news of Dennis and Flora Milner’s deaths. Both were supporters of Dignity in Dying’s campaign to change the law on assisted dying for terminally ill adults. Their case highlights some people’s deep concerns about suffering unnecessarily at the end of life, and the lack of a safeguarded choice which can prompt people to take drastic action through fear. Good access to social and end-of-life care will ensure that most, but not all, people have a dignified death but as a society we need to address real concerns about lack of choice at the end of life.

“Dignity in Dying strongly believes that if we had a safeguarded assisted dying law people would gain comfort from knowing that they would have control over their death should they find themselves suffering unnecessarily at the end of their lives – many more than would ever need to make use of it. Had safeguarded assisted dying been available, Mr and Mrs Milner would have been able to have an open discussion about their concerns with health care professionals, for whom they clearly had a lot of respect, and any existing unmet needs may well have been identified.”

Ends.

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 100,000 supporters and receives its funding entirely from donations from the public.

– Opinion polls consistently show that at least 80% of the UK population supports a change in the law on assisted dying.

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