For the first time in a decade MPs are to vote on changing Britain’s outdated laws on assisted dying.
Every eight days, one person from the UK makes the expensive and arduous journey to Dignitas in Switzerland, where assisted dying is legal. Many die slowly and agonisingly in the UK because they cannot afford to make the trip.
Anyone who accompanies a family member to Dignitas or helps them die at home could be jailed for up to 14 years for “assisting suicide.”
Thankfully, we can now end this mess. An MP, Kim Leadbeater, is bringing forward a Private Member’s Bill to allow assisted dying for people in Britain who are terminally ill.
Every MP in the House of Commons will have the chance to vote on the bill – and we want to send them Die Smiling by Julie Casson, a page-turning account of her husband Nigel’s Motor Neurone Disease and his journey to Dignitas.
The Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday found the book so moving that they serialised it for three consecutive days in February.
Below are just a few reader reviews of Die Smiling:
If only politicians would read this incredible, moving book and see how important it is to end one’s life lawfully by choice.
Julie takes us on an emotional journey, sharing with us the highs and the lows, and powerfully makes the case for a change in the law for assisted dying in the UK.
Our politicians need to read this.
We believe receiving a copy of the book will help MPs understand the awful position that terminally ill people can find themselves in and the solace they would take from a law change.
We are raising £6,500 to send a paperback of Die Smiling (supplied by the publisher at half price with a further sum for packing and delivery) to each of the UK’s 650 MPs.
All donations are gratefully received, whether large or small. Donate here.
Thank you.