Good afternoon friend,
Yes, you read that right. More than 150 million people around the world now have access to assisted dying. Legalising assisted dying is fast becoming the hallmark of a progressive, compassionate society - UK lawmakers are being left behind. The longer they fail to act, the longer the cruelty and injustice of the current law continues to cause suffering to dying people across the country.
By contrast, 1 in 5 Americans, a third of Australians, all Canadians, and in a year’s time all 4.8 million New Zealanders will have access to assisted dying in their own countries. Following New Zealand’s resounding YES vote in their October referendum I thought we should revisit some of these successes, how they got there and how the laws have been working since they were passed.
USA
Oregon was the first US state to legalise assisted dying in the Death with Dignity Act, in October, 1997. This is the style of law that we advocate for - one that allows terminally ill, mentally competent adults to self-administer medicine to end their own life at a time of their choosing.
The law has seen 0 instances of abuse. 1,657 dying people have ended their lives peacefully thanks to the legalisation of assisted dying.
8 more states have followed in its footsteps, including California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, Vermont and Washington.
AUSTRALIA
The state of Victoria passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill in November 2017 and came into effect in June 2019. In December 2019, the state of Western Australia followed suit, passing the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 24 votes to 11 which is expected to come into force next year.
100% of assisted deaths in Victoria have been compliant with the law. Around 120 people have been able to have the choice they wanted - many more have taken comfort knowing the option is there if they need it.
New Zealand
New Zealand recently became the latest country to legislate on assisted dying - uniquely through the use of a legally binding public referendum. 65% of voters supported the motion to pass the End of Life Choices Act, including the New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.
The law will come into force next November, enabling terminally ill, mentally competent adults in their final months of life to request assistance from a medical professional to end their life at a time and place of their choosing – a model supported by 84% of the British public.
These laws were passed thanks to extensive campaigning, brave testimonies shared by dying people and their families, and grassroots volunteers and supporters - just like you.
Thank you for all you do to support the campaign. Looking at this progress shows how a dedicated group of passionate supporters can make assisted dying a reality.
Together, we can change the law. Together, we will.
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Our campaign is powered by our supporters - like you. We’re 100% funded by individual donations, so we can keep fighting, together, to change the law on assisted dying in the UK. Could you chip in today?
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If you already donate to Dignity in Dying, thank you so much your generosity, it is so appreciated.
