Looking at today’s report by the Commission on Assisted Dying, the first thing that jumps out is just how comprehensive it is. They reach the conclusion that assisted suicide should be legalised — and they’ve done so after hundreds of hours of consultation with various groups and experts, as well as sifting through the evidence from countries where various forms of assisted dying are allowed. This is no rush job.
Among the stand-out points from its 415 pages is that the current situation — under which anyone encouraging or assisting another person’s suicide can be punished by 14 years in prison — is both ‘very distressing for families and unclear for health and social care staff’ and ‘a deeply challenging burden on police and prosecutors’. It also highlights the role that legalising assisted dying can play in relieving suffering, even when that option is not taken (‘by the knowledge that they can end their life at a time of their own choosing’).
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