Campaigners: Law is "out of touch"

The Suicide Act is now over 50 years old and is out of touch with the problems facing dying Britons in the 21st century. Public opinion is resolutely in favour of change and now the Supreme Court has clearly indicated that it is only a matter of time before the law is reformed. If Parliament is unwilling to address the issue, then ultimately the court will. The House of Lords has the opportunity to begin the process of reform when Lord Falconer's Assisted Dying Bill is debated by peers on 18 July.

Ultimately a law passed by Parliament, with clear criteria and upfront safeguards, is preferable to decriminalisation by stages. Parliament can provide both greater choice and greater protection; we need a compassionate law that can safeguard choice for those at the end of life."