It is a decade since the Supreme Court ruled against assisted dying in the Nicklinson case. And now assisted dying bills are being debated in the Isle of Man and in Scotland — and Baroness Hale of Richmond, the former president of the UK’s highest court, has voiced support for legislative change in England and Wales.
It is a debate that stirs strong opinion, but it often focuses on the risk of prosecution and overlooks the financial consequences for families. Currently families of loved ones who die by assisted suicide risk losing everything.
Under the Suicide Act 1961, while it is not unlawful to take one’s own life, it is a serious offence to encourage or assist a suicide or attempted suicide. This could include
