A range of terms are used to debate assisted dying. We are using the following terms and definitions.
Assisted dying is an umbrella term for “the involvement of healthcare professionals in the provision of lethal drugs intended to end a patient’s life at their voluntary request, subject to eligibility criteria and safeguards" [1] (p.4).
Physician-assisted suicide is “where healthcare professionals prescribe lethal drugs at the voluntary request of an adult with capacity, who meets defined eligibility criteria, to enable that patient to self-administer those drugs to end their own life” [1] (p.7).
Euthanasia is “where healthcare professionals administer lethal drugs at the voluntary request of an adult patient with capacity, who meets defined eligibility criteria, with the intention of ending their life" [1] (p.7).
Our position
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Hospice UK represents the community of more than 200 hospices across the UK. It is not our role to either support or oppose a change in the law on assisted dying. Rather, our aim is to make sure that the experience and expertise of our members informs the political process.
We recognise that to reflect the many different views and positions that hospices may take as the political process for assisted dying develops across the UK, our position is best reflected as having ‘no collective view.’
We believe that this recognises the nuances and views of staff, volunteers and trustees of our membership as hospices currently review their own position on this issue.
We believe that the assisted dying discussions must include how we can make good palliative care available and accessible to everyone, whoever they are and wherever they live.
We hope that people will listen to and attempt to understand the different opinions about assisted dying, including and especially views different to their own.
