Murder Law Review Will See Genuine Mercy Killers Facing Life Sentence, Says Dignity In Dying

Main Category: Palliative Care / Hospice Care
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 30 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Commenting on the Murder Law Review, Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:

"While the Ministry of Justice's suggested reforms to the Murder Law have been broadly welcomed, it is important to recognise that the proposals contain a deliberate oversight with regards to 'mercy killing'.
v "The Law Commission recommended that the Government should undertake a public consultation on 'mercy killing', but the Government has so far refused to hold such a review.

"The proposed new definition of diminished responsibility is likely to result in genuine 'mercy killers' - who act out of compassion for a loved one - facing a conviction of murder and a life sentence.

"The Government should act to ensure that what is already a bad situation is not made worse. Dignity in Dying calls on the Ministry of Justice to conduct a public consultation on 'mercy killing' and the wider issues of end-of-life decision-making, as recommended by the Law Commission."

About Dignity in Dying

- Dignity in Dying is the leading organisation in the UK that advocates assisted dying for terminally ill patients and campaigns for greater patient choice at the end of life.

- The organisation is also the country's leading provider in information on end-of-life issues.

- Dignity in Dying has over 100,000 supporters and receives its funding entirely from donations from the public.

- Opinion polls consistently show that at least 80% of the UK population support a change in the law on assisted dying.

- An interview with Ashley Riley is available to download at http://www.dignityindying.org.uk/aboutus/.

Dignity in Dying

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