A woman who was under investigation by authorities for accompanying her husband to Dignitas is calling on lawmakers to ensure that assisted dying is accessible to everyone, not just the privileged few. Louise Shackleton, who faced a 10-month ordeal before being cleared of any charges in her husband’s assisted death, is now advocating for broader access to end-of-life choices.
As the House of Lords examines a proposed Bill that would grant the right to die in England and Wales, Mrs. Shackleton emphasizes that assisted dying is already an option for the wealthy who can travel to countries like Switzerland and Belgium. She highlights the importance of extending this choice to all individuals, regardless of their financial means.
Sharing her personal experience, Mrs. Shackleton expressed her late husband’s gratitude and love in a heartfelt letter he left for her. She emphasized the need for a more inclusive approach to end-of-life decisions, criticizing the current law as restrictive and inhumane.
The proposed legislation aims to allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with a prognosis of less than six months to apply for assisted death. While the Bill has progressed farther than any similar legislation in Parliament, concerns remain among some peers about its impact on vulnerable individuals and the need for thorough scrutiny.
If approved, the Bill would require approval from two doctors and a panel of professionals before an assisted dying application could proceed. Implementation of the law would depend on consensus between the House of Commons and House of Lords, with a potential timeline for the first assisted death occurring by 2029/30.
Assisting suicide remains illegal in England and Wales, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. As the scrutiny committee continues its evaluation of the Bill, Mrs. Shackleton’s case, which was deemed not in the public interest to prosecute, serves as a poignant example of the complexities surrounding end-of-life decisions.
For those in need of emotional support, resources such as the Samaritans helpline are available.