Marie Curie’s response to the Assisted Dying Bill falling
Comment published
"While some will be frustrated that the Assisted Dying Bill has been allowed to time out, and others relieved that the law is not changing, this moment of focus must not be wasted. The debate has created unprecedented public conversation on how we die and the role of palliative and end of life care in ensuring dignity and comfort.
"Marie Curie is neutral on assisted dying, but we are clear that palliative and end of life care needs improving, urgently. Nearly one in three people still miss out on essential care. Genuine choice at the end of life cannot exist if people cannot access the care they need, wherever they live.
"We need governments across the United Kingdom to ensure that palliative care is prioritised – ensuring access to 24/7 care, closer to home, from a workforce that is equipped to meet the needs of dying people."