David and Alison, who were married for over 30 years, faced a difficult decision when Alison was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in June 2022. Alison expressed her desire to end her life on her terms at Dignitas, an assisted dying clinic in Switzerland, due to the impact MND would have on her ability to walk, talk, and swallow.
David and Catie, Alison’s husband and daughter, shared their experience of navigating the decision to go to Dignitas and the challenges they faced in keeping it a secret from friends and family. The stress and worry of potentially facing prosecution for assisting Alison added to the emotional burden they were already carrying.
Alison, a talented singer, musician, and artist, made the difficult choice to end her life at Dignitas. David and Catie highlighted the financial cost, emotional toll, and logistical challenges involved in arranging for Alison’s journey to Switzerland and the subsequent cremation there.
The family’s decision to speak out comes ahead of an MP debate on proposals to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill individuals in England and Wales. They believe that individuals like Alison should have the right to choose to end their lives in a place close to home, surrounded by loved ones, without fear or stress.
While assisted dying is illegal in the UK, there have been recent discussions in Scotland, Jersey, and the Isle of Man about changing the law to allow terminally ill individuals to have more control over their end-of-life decisions. Critics of the proposed legislation raise concerns about the potential pressure on vulnerable individuals to end their lives, as well as the possibility of expanding eligibility criteria beyond terminal illness.
The private members’ bill introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has sparked debate among politicians from various parties, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer allowing a free vote based on conscience. Membership in Dignitas from the UK has seen an increase, with more individuals choosing to end their lives at the clinic.
The family’s story sheds light on the complexities and emotional challenges involved in the decision to pursue assisted dying. Their advocacy for changing the law reflects their belief in providing individuals like Alison with the autonomy to make end-of-life choices in a supportive and compassionate environment.
