UK must consider assisted dying law

It is encouraging that Bath MP, Wera Hobhouse, contributed so supportively to the online meeting last Wednesday of the All-party Parliamentary Group for Choice at the End of Life. It is great to have a constituency MP who listens, researches and considers their opinion with diligence.

The two examples of the deaths of terminally ill people, presented by family members, showed up the stark contrast between Oregon where an assisted dying law has been in place for 20 years - and an inhumane death in the UK, where there is no legal framework for a peaceful death under the affected individual’s control.

This compelling story prompted Lord Daniel Finkelstein to say he was sorry on behalf of the country for what the terminally ill father, his daughter and her family had been through. I challenge anyone who is still resistant to a change in the law on assisted dying to view this meeting (available on Dignity in Dying’s Youtube channel) and not to entertain at least some doubts about their continued opposition.

The UK stands, paralysed and afraid of following majority public opinion, while other governments around the world continue to bring in compassionate safeguarded laws; there will be a lot more apologising to our terminally ill and their families, until we have a prime minister who is truly strong and decisive about human rights. Pauline Carroll Retired District Nurse and Lead Campaigner for Bath and Bristol Dignity in Dying