Assisted Dying - what next? with Phil Cheatle of My Death, My Decision

Assisted Dying is one of the major ethical issues of our time.

For the first time since the last vote in parliament in 2015 there is now a chance of this becoming legal in England and Wales. Separate developments are attempting to legalise assisted dying in Scotland, Isle of Man and Jersey. There is now a clear 75% majority amongst the UK public in favour of assisted dying. A private members bill, put forward by Kim Leadbeater MP, is due to have its second reading in the House of Commons on 29th November. The new government has committed to giving the issue parliamentary time.

This event will give the background to why the campaign group My Death, My Decision believes the law needs to change and will look at what the new bill intends to do, as well as what is missing from it. The talk will also review what is happening in other UK jurisdictions and in other countries where assisted dying is permitted.
Humanists UK has campaigned for many years to get the law changed, to enable assisted dying, and has supported various cases in the high courts, notably that of Tony Nicklinson, as well submitting evidence to various inquiries into the issue. Humanists UK works very closely with My Death, My Decision on this issue. They are both founder members of the Assisted Dying Coalition.

If you wish to lobby your MP on this urgent issue, more information on the current bill and how to get your voice heard, check these out https://www.mydeath-mydecision.org.uk/write-to-your-mp/ and https://humanists.uk/campaigns/public-ethical-issues/assisted-dying/
Phil Cheatle is the Lead Campaign Commentator for My Death, My Decision. Phil worked as a research scientist before getting involved with the assisted dying campaign. The unpleasant end of life experience of his mother and aunt, who both suffered from dementia and other conditions, convinced him of a need for a change in the law. Between 2015 – 2019 he led My Death, My Decision before handing over to a newly formed board of directors. Phil also runs the Cafe Philo Bristol Meetup group.

This event is FREE to Bristol Humanists members. We ask non-members to make a small contribution of £1/£3 to cover our costs

Pic courtesy of RCN