A Critical Response to the Citizens' Jury on Assisted Dying

Not Dead Yet UK is a network of disabled people in the UK who oppose the legalisation of assisted suicide; we feel compelled to respond to the recent announcement of a citizens' jury backing assisted dying for the terminally ill in England. Citizen Jury Guardian Article

While we appreciate the effort to engage citizens in this complex debate, the jury's conclusions raise significant concerns that cannot be overlooked. As someone who has spent years advocating for disability rights, I believe it's crucial to highlight the potential dangers of legalising assisted dying, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The Risk of Coercion and Abuse

One of our primary concerns is the potential for subtle coercion of vulnerable individuals. In a society that often undervalues the lives of disabled and terminally ill people, the "right to die" can easily become an expectation to die. We've seen how societal attitudes can influence medical decisions, and the pressure – whether explicit or implicit – to choose death over life could be immense.

Inadequate Safeguards

The proposed safeguards, while well-intentioned, may not be sufficient to protect vulnerable individuals. We've observed issues arising in other jurisdictions where assisted dying has been legalised. For instance, in some cases, the definition of "terminal illness" has been broadened over time, and the waiting periods have been shortened. These changes increase the risk of hasty decisions in moments of despair.

Impact on Palliative Care

We're deeply concerned that legalising assisted dying could negatively impact the development and funding of palliative care services. Instead of offering death as a solution, we should be focusing our efforts on improving end-of-life care, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality pain management and emotional support during their final days.

The Often-Overlooked Disability Perspective

As disabled people, we can't stress enough how often our voices are sidelined in this debate. The legalisation of assisted dying sends a troubling message about the perceived quality of life of disabled individuals. It reinforces harmful stereotypes that a life with a disability is not worth living – a notion we've been fighting against for decades.

The Need for Further Dialogue

While the citizens' jury is a step towards public engagement, we need a more comprehensive discussion that includes strong representation from disability rights groups. We must explore alternative approaches to addressing end-of-life concerns that don't involve assisted dying, such as enhanced social care support, improved accessibility, and better mental health services.

In conclusion, Not Dead Yet UK remains firmly opposed to the legalisation of assisted dying. We call on policymakers to carefully consider the potential negative consequences, especially for disabled people and other vulnerable populations. Our society's focus should be on supporting life, improving care, and fostering inclusion – not on facilitating death as a solution to complex social and medical issues.

Let's continue this crucial conversation, ensuring that all voices – especially those most at risk – are heard and respected.