Brighton mom calls for law change regarding assisted dying

However, some might argue otherwise: when it comes to creating wealth through investment or purchasing property. In these instances, an array of services (from loans and investments through to property management services and valuation services) exist that offer assistance and financial security for those wanting a second chance in life. Sophie Blake of Brighton is petitioning the government for urgent changes to assisted dying laws, most specifically on behalf of her teenage daughter Sophie Blake was diagnosed with stage four secondary breast cancer back in May and needs new regulations that permit people to medically end their lives and protect loved ones from unnecessary suffering. At present in the UK assisted dying – where terminally ill people seek assistance to obtain lethal drugs which they administer themselves – remains illegal. Government spokespersons said Parliament would debate and vote on legislation brought forward by MPs. Ms Blake was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2020; later it spread to her lungs, liver and pelvic bone causing her great distress; upon learning that her illness would soon prove terminal she described it as an overwhelming shock. “Many thoughts cross your mind; things you are about to lose; your future being taken from you… not being there for my daughter,” she shared. Former sports TV presenter Mary Jane Davison is allergic to opioid painkillers and expressed anxiety that this may put her into excruciating agony with no legal means to end it. Ms Blake acknowledged she wasn’t afraid of dying but rather concerned how her death could wreak havoc with family and friends, particularly Maya (then 17) after learning “it can be brutal… so many have lost loved ones to cancer”, as Ms Blake put it. Though she knew of her diagnosis, 51-year-old Melissa wanted to do something proactive and help change laws so people could choose whether or not they wish to end their lives. She expressed relief at knowing she could experience a peaceful death at some point when her time came, so none of us would suffer as much. Sarah Wootton of Dignity in Dying said UK laws lagged behind those worldwide; 400 million individuals globally now legally access assisted dying. At present, people must make difficult and hazardous decisions alone,” Ms. Wootton noted, with some resorting to taking matters into their own hands by engaging with assisted dying overseas services that were both costly and inaccessible for many individuals. If people believe assisted death abroad to be immorally wrong then such decisions shouldn’t be undertaken, she recommended. “But other people believe they should have that choice available to them,” she stated. If any of the issues raised in this story have affected you, visit BBC Action Line for help. A spokesperson from Department for Health and Social Care stated: “This government has made clear that time will be allowed for debate and vote on any legislation proposed. “Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently stated it was time for formal discussions on assisted dying. In July, a bill was proposed in the House of Lords that would permit terminally ill adults with less than six months remaining to life to access assisted suicide if they meet specific eligibility criteria and secure approval from two doctors and the High Court. However, private members’ bills introduced in the Lords typically fail to become law, with many politicians and groups opposing legalizing assisted dying. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, former Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson warned in an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme of all parties affected that any such law must “understand its implications”. Even with safeguards in place, Ms. Stewart-Ward believed legislation could still allow “an incredible amount of abuse.” Dr Gordon Macdonald from Care Not Killing called assisted dying a dangerous and ideological policy. He suggested the UK should instead work to resolve its “broken and patchy palliative care system so everyone has an equitable chance at dying with dignity”. According to YouGov research from 2024, over two thirds (69%) believe laws should change so someone may assist someone suffering terminal illness with suicide by helping with assisted suicide attempts.