There are two organisations campaigning for a change in the Assisted Dying laws in England and Wales: Dignity in Dying (DiD) and My Death My Decision (MDMD). Both are in favour of Kim Leadbeater’s current Bill. DiD effectively wrote it. MDMD are in support but disagree with some elements of it.
The Bill as drafted would introduce into England and Wales the same sort of Assisted Dying as currently exists in Oregon. Crucially it would depend upon two doctors certifying that the patient was terminally ill and was likely to die within six months. MDMD believe that the Canadian model would be better – it believes that “unendurable suffering” should be the criterion for acceptance and that there should be no six month limitation. The real effect of the change MDMD are seeking would be to widen the eligibility to include patients with Parkinsons, Lewy Bodies syndrome or the early stages of dementia. MDMD are also opposed to the inclusion of any role for High Court Judges. Both organisations are likely to be invited, separately, to present their cases to members of the Committee appointed to consider the Bill in detail.
After six years in the Chair of MDMD, Trevor Moore has chosen to step down, although he will be remaining as a member of the MDMD Board. He has been succeeded by Aleisha Murray. Like Trevor, Aleisha is a Solicitor and she leads the London Risk and Compliance Divisions of Robert Walters Ltd – the leading international firm of Executive Search consultants. Aleisha joined the MDMD Board in August. Also joining MDMD, as Senior Political Officer, is Dehenna Davison. Until last year’s General Election she was the Conservative MP for Bishop Auckland and was Rishi Sunak’s Parliamentary Under Secretary for Levelling Up. These two new appointments are certainly prestigious and they are likely to prove highly effective in their new roles. The huge contribution made by Trevor must always be acknowledged.
Interestingly, although DiD is the larger of the two organisations, it is MDMD which is more widely recognised on the world stage. MDMD has a very close association with Humanists UK and is a leading member of the International Federation of Right to Die Societies.
