Top docs: We need to legalise assisted dying in Britain, too
Call for law change to reflect views of public & medics
ASSISTED dying should be legalised to reflect the view of the “great majority of the public”, say some of Britain’s leading doctors.
The British Medical Journal is calling for a law change – following the lead of European countries, most notably Switzerland, Canada and some US states, where they argue it “works well”.
A survey of UK doctors last year found 55% agree with the proposal – but their union, the British Medical Association, is opposed.
And a poll of 5,000 people by campaign group Dignity in Dying, in 2015, found 82% of the public were in favour of legalised assisted dying.
But helping someone take their own life is still illegal in Britain and has led to several prosecutions.
Some Brits, such as Parkinson’s sufferer Andrew Tyler, 70, have felt forced to travel to the Dignitas clinic in Zurich, Switzerland, to end their lives.
Dr Fiona Godlee, editor-in-chief of the BMJ, said: “The great majority of the British public are in favour and there is now good evidence that it works well in other parts of the world, as a continuation of care for patients who request it and are in sound mind.
“We believe this should be a decision for society and Parliament, and that medical organisations should adopt at least a neutral position to allow an open and informed public debate.” Terminal cancer patient Sarah Jessiman, 51, supports the BMJ’s call. Sarah, of Rugby, Warks, was diagnosed with breast cancer, aged 45, but despite an “all-clear” nine months later, she was then diagnosed with terminal cancer in her spine, aged 49.
Sarah said: “I’m terrified of the sort of death I may have to face. I don’t want to go to Switzerland and I don’t want to attempt suicide. Why can’t I die as I live – in an open and honest way?”
Sarah, who is deaf and married to Eddie, 68, added: “When my cancer progresses past my level of endurance, I would like the opportunity to die at home with my 12-year-old hearing dog Kai by my side.”
A spokesman for the BMA said: “The BMA recognises there are a range of views on this issue, both from the public and within the profession.”
I’m terrified. Why can’t I die as I live? In an open and honest way.. SARAH JESSIMAN TERMINAL CANCER PATIENT