Dignity in Dying Statement on CPS Decision in Louise Shackleton Case

The trauma of a months-long investigation lays bare the cruelty of the status quo on assisted dying in the UK. No one should have to endure a criminal investigation for an act of compassion at the end of their loved one’s life. 

Louise’s experience of supporting her terminally ill husband Anthony’s choice to die overseas, with dignity and on his own terms, is sadly not unique. But it is a powerful example of how families and individuals are being forced to choose between compassion and criminalisation under our unsafe laws. This is no fault of the CPS, tasked with the unenviable job of enforcing an outdated law that lacks public support.

Our elected MPs have already voted in favour of Kim Leadbeater’s Bill. Now, as the House of Lords prepares for months of detailed scrutiny of the Bill, including the start of Select Committee sessions on Wednesday, it is essential that international evidence from jurisdictions where terminal illness assisted dying laws work safely, and personal stories like Louise’s, are heard. These voices must be central to the consideration of the Select Committee. 

We cannot allow more families to suffer under a law that punishes compassion and drags heartbreaking, end-of-life decisions into criminal investigations. The status quo is not neutral, it is actively harmful. It forces dying people to travel abroad to seek a dignified death, and leaves their loved ones facing police interviews, investigations and legal uncertainty at the very worst time in their lives.

Dignity in Dying supports Kim Leadbeater’s compassionate, safeguarded law on assisted dying. It has the backing of MPs and the public, the evidence from overseas, and the lived reality of those facing terminal illness in the UK today.

For more information and general media requests, please email Media & Campaigns Officer, Tom Steen at tom.steen@dignityindying.org.uk or call 07356135578