British Humanist Association e-bulletin special 11th November 09
Assisted Suicide Policy Consultation
Take Action!
Have your say on assisted suicide guidelines and help support the BHA’s campaign for patient choice and dignity at the end of life.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has issued guidelines clarifying the issues that will be taken into account when deciding whether or not to consent to the prosecution of individuals who assist someone to die, including when people have accompanied loved ones abroad for an assisted death.
These issues are now open for a public consultation period that ends on 16th December, and we strongly recommend that BHA members and supporters express their views. The BHA itself will be responding soon, and that response will be published on our website at http://www.humanism.org.uk/campaigns/et ... sted-dying
Why we need these guidelines
The BHA believes that people should be able to access good quality, patient-centred treatment and care at the end of life; and terminally ill, mentally competent adults should have the choice of an assisted death, within strict legal safeguards, if they feel their suffering is unbearable.
However, while assisted dying for terminally ill people remains a criminal offence in the UK, the decision whether to prosecute currently rests with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). At present, it is not clear on what basis the DPP will decide whether or not to support a prosecution. This ambiguity places further and unnecessary pressure on those suffering from severe and terminal illnesses or conditions, and their loved ones.
Background
· The guidelines are being prepared as a result of the prominent case of Debbie Purdy, a multiple sclerosis sufferer, who recently won her case in the UK’s highest court. The judgement required that the DPP publish clear guidance, showing when it would or would not prosecute someone for assisting someone to die.
· This is not a change in the law; assisted dying remains illegal. However this does represent a significant, and positive change to the present situation.
· The law at present is fundamentally flawed; it does not make a distinction between those who maliciously encourage suicide and those who compassionately accompany a loved one abroad to die in a country where assisted dying is legal. The BHA will continue to campaign for reform of the law to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people.
Why your views matter
It is vital that the consultation receives an accurate and representative view on the subject of assisted dying. Most importantly, the principle that guidelines are required should be positively acknowledged.
It is really important that as many people as possible who are in favour of having clear guidelines on this issue respond to the consultation. We know that anti-choice groups will be responding to this consultation and it would be very negative should their minority view have a disproportionate influence on the outcome of this consultation.
For example, we know that this consultation is being specifically targeted by the Roman Catholic Church and a number of other organisations who are conducting a well-funded campaign in order to ensure that the strictest penalties are enforced for those who make the compassionate decision to help a loved one end their life.
On the basis of the example pre-completed form supplied by the Roman Catholic Church of England and Wales, it is clear that if an individual offered assistance in a case where “The victim had a clear, settled and informed wish to commit suicide”, “a terminal illness; or which there was no possibility of recovery” and “The victim has considered and pursued to a reasonable extent recognised treatment and care options”, then the Church would still be in favour of prosecution.
We know that this is not a position supported by most people, and we strongly encourage our supporters to offer their views. The principle of the guidelines should be acknowledged as an improvement. Where possible, the contribution of personal experience and considered views would be beneficial towards the development of these guidelines.
Here’s what you can do
Please visit the Crown Prosecution website to participate in the consultation. http://www.cps.gov.uk/consultations/as_index.html
The consultation consists of nine questions listing a number of factors in favour of a prosecution and against. It gives respondents the opportunity to agree or disagree with their inclusion, weight them in accordance with priority, and offer further suggestions.
Once you have completed the consultation form, please e-mail your response to [email protected]
Alternatively, send your printed and completed form to:
Assisted Suicide Policy Team
Crown Prosecution Service Headquarters - 6th floor
50 Ludgate Hill
London
EC4M 7EX
For more information about the BHA’s work on assisted dying, visit our website: http://www.humanism.org.uk/campaigns/et ... sted-dying
For any further questions, please contact Naomi Phillips, BHA Public Affairs Officer, [email protected] or 020 7079 3585.
Thank you for all your support.
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