‘Death literacy and support’ urged as assisted dying debate continues

Government should commission research into understanding how to better provide mental health support and guidance for those living with a terminal diagnosis – that is the conclusion of the Health and Social Care Committee following its inquiry into assisted suicide and assisted dying.

The Committee also called for a national strategy for ‘death literacy and support’ from the moment a terminal diagnosis is given – but stopped short of recommending changes in the law on assisted dying.

Notably, the inquiry considered foreign jurisdictions where assisted suicide is already legal. Its report highlights several problems in those jurisdictions, including the impossibility of preventing abuse and misuse of such laws.