A woman, whose husband underwent assisted dying at Dignitas, has called for a more inclusive approach to end-of-life choices in the UK. Louise Shackleton, who faced a police investigation that was eventually dropped, emphasized the need for broader access to assisted dying services beyond those who can afford to travel abroad for the procedure.
Speaking ahead of a House of Lords debate on a Bill concerning the right to die in England and Wales, Mrs. Shackleton highlighted the existing disparity where only the wealthy can access such services overseas. She stressed the importance of extending this choice to all individuals, not just the privileged few, citing the societal demand for compassionate end-of-life options.
Reflecting on her late husband Antony’s battle with motor neurone disease and his decision to seek assisted death, Mrs. Shackleton shared a poignant letter he left for her. The heartfelt message, expressing gratitude and love, underscored their shared journey and the difficult choices they faced together.
Despite the emotional toll of the investigation, Mrs. Shackleton welcomed the progress of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill in Parliament and the potential for a more compassionate approach to end-of-life care. She urged lawmakers to consider the human aspect of suffering and the importance of granting individuals autonomy over their own end-of-life decisions.
As the legislative process continues, with a special scrutiny committee set to review the Bill, the debate around assisted dying remains complex. While concerns about safeguards and ethical implications persist, proponents like Mrs. Shackleton advocate for a more humane and inclusive approach to addressing end-of-life choices in the UK.