My Death, My Decision is proud to launch a Northern Ireland section today. Led by Gavin Walker, this regional group will begin to lay the foundations for a compassionate assisted dying law in Northern Ireland.
Assisting anyone to die is illegal under Section 13 of the Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 1966.
If anyone would like to join My Death, My Decision Northern Ireland, please contact mdmd.nireland@gmail.com or join their Facebook group.
The special Oireachtas committee in the Republic of Ireland recommended back in March that legislation should be introduced to allow for assisted dying. An important consequence of a law in the Republic is that Irish citizens (or ordinary residents for twelve months) would be eligible. This would allow Northern Irish applicants to be able to access an assisted death in the Republic under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act of 1956 and the Good Friday Agreement.
Gavin Walker, Chair of My Death, My Decision Northern Ireland
Gavin Walker, Chair of My Death, My Decision Northern Ireland, said:
“The recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee – alongside progress on Assisted Dying legislation in Scotland, Jersey and the Isle of Man – means Northern Ireland must now engage in a debate to determine the best way forward on this issue. My Death, My Decision Northern Ireland will work to ensure that when legislation is brought forward it reflects the wishes of the people of Northern Ireland and is not a knee-jerk reaction to legal changes in neighbouring jurisdictions.”
Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:
“We are delighted to launch this new regional branch of our grassroots campaign group. The people of Northern Ireland shouldn’t have Westminster or the Oireachtas choose what options they have at the end of their lives, it’s right that they decide on a compassionate law for themselves. No one should be forced to suffer against their will. ”
Notes:
Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request
For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.
Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
