People in England and Wales are not allowed assistance to die, even when they are terminally ill and wish to end their lives. Those wishing to access assisted death sometimes choose to travel to countries where it is legal, but this can lead to legal problems if others help them to travel.
Although suicide is not illegal, helping someone to die is a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison. However, guidelines from the director of public prosecutions state that when someone helps a person to die out of compassion, prosecution is less likely if the person requested it and the helper will not benefit from that person’s death.
High-profile cases in the UK, such as those of Diane Pretty, Debbie Purdy and Tony Nicklinson, have revealed how not allowing free choice regarding assisted dying might lead to violations of people’s human rights.
