Dignity in dying statement on latest assisted suicide prosecution figures

In response to new data published by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) showing five new cases of assisting a suicide have been referred to the CPS since March 2023.

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:

“These latest figures prove yet again that the law is totally unfit for purpose; not only does it fail to protect dying people and criminalises acts of compassion but it is not equally applied, meaning potential cases of malintent could go under the radar.

“Some grieving family members are being investigated for months at the worst time of their lives. The cost of these investigations – financial, emotional and societal – cannot be easily dismissed. The full story is even more concerning, as last year 40 Brits died at Dignitas to and up to 650 more take their own lives here in the UK every year, many of whom will be accompanied or assisted by loved ones. The CPS figures demonstrate that the vast majority of these cases are not investigated and there are no safeguards in place to protect vulnerable people. Introducing robust, transparent, tried-and-tested assisted dying legislation where each request can be scrutinised from the start – rather than after the fact or not at all – is the only way to truly provide safety and transparency where currently none exists.

“Those who uphold and enforce this law know it needs reform: from police officers on the beat, including James Johnson who was forced to allow his mother to die at Dignitas alone because he could have been punished for accompanying her, to former police crime commissioners like Martyn Underhill, former policing ministers like Kit Malthouse MP and Sir Keir Starmer, former Director of Public Prosecutions, who have all voiced support for change.

“There is a kinder, better and safer way, with hundreds of millions of people across 30 jurisdictions having access to some form of assisted dying, such as Australia, New Zealand and several US States. The vast majority of us want to see a change in the law and the momentum for change has never been stronger, with assisted dying proposals moving forward at pace in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man. Ahead of a watershed General Election, candidates must listen to voters’ views and take note of the mounting evidence of the failures of the current law. The need for reform has never been more urgent.”

For more information or interview requests contact: Molly Pike, Media and Campaigns Officer at Dignity in Dying, on 07725433025 or email: molly.pike@dignityindying.org.uk.