“Time to put compassion above outdated theology”

The prominent British rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain has been appointed Chair of Dignity in Dying, the UK’s leading campaign for a change in the law on assisted dying, as appetite for reform builds across the country.

The announcement comes amid significant progress, with the first ever Commons inquiry on assisted dying underway in Westminster, a bill launched this week in the Isle of Man, proposals progressing in Scotland and Jersey, and UK medical bodies continuing to drop their opposition to law change.

Dignity in Dying pays tribute to its outgoing Chair, crossbench peer Baroness Meacher, who will remain an integral part of the campaign as Honorary President. Baroness Meacher served as Chair from 2016 and sponsored an Assisted Dying Bill in the House of Lords in 2021 which commanded huge public and parliamentary support.

Chris Creegan, a leader in the third and public sectors in Scotland, is elected as Vice-Chair and looks forward to bringing his extensive experience in equality and social justice to the campaign.

Public support for a change in the law to allow assisted dying as a choice for terminally ill, mentally competent adults continues to soar, with 84% of the British public in favour. Majority support for reform is consistent across virtually all demographics, including 80% of religious people and 86% of disabled people.

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain said:

“Our country is closer than ever to achieving true choice at the end of life, something the British public, from all walks of life, are crying out for. Like many people of faith, I support law change on assisted dying because of my beliefs, not in spite of them.

“I am deeply aware of the value of life. But having seen people die in pain from terminal illnesses, often begging doctors or relatives to help them end their life early, I also know that letting go of life can be the right and moral decision. There is no sanctity in suffering, particularly as we die.

“At this critical point for our movement, we must examine the forces attempting to slow or block this urgently-needed progress. At their core is an outdated theology that is anti-choice and forces people to suffer against their will, completely out of step with 21st century Britain. This is not faith as I know it. Religious priorities should be about compassion and care, and I challenge those who are putting their archaic idea of God above the needs of dying people.”

Baroness Meacher said:

“The campaign for assisted dying is very dear to my heart and I am delighted to continue supporting what I see as Britain’s next great liberal reform. The huge public and parliamentary support for my Assisted Dying Bill proved beyond doubt that change is inevitable; it is a matter of when, not if. I remain absolutely committed to achieving a safe, compassionate assisted dying law, bolstered by the unwavering support of the British public.”

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

“We pay tribute to Baroness Meacher’s tireless dedication to this campaign, whose passion and guidance have undoubtedly brought us closer to an assisted dying law for the UK. We are delighted that she will remain an integral part of Dignity in Dying as our movement approaches a critical stage.

“We welcome Rabbi Romain, whose appointment further serves to puncture the myth that religious leaders and their flocks oppose assisted dying. Poll after poll demonstrates that the vast majority of people of faith recognise the urgent case for law change, as does the public at large. The fearmongering of a vocal minority will ultimately be exposed as just that. Common-sense and compassion will win out.”

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For further information and interview requests with case studies and Dignity in Dying spokespeople, please contact Molly Pike, Media and Campaigns Officer at Dignity in Dying, on 07929 731181 or email: molly.pike@dignityindying.org.uk.