MS Society responds to new DPP guidelines on assisted suicide

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society has recently responded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and its newly-released guidance on assisted suicide.

Applying to people in England and Wales, the guidelines are not a law change but the step hopes to clarify factors which may be involved when finding out if someone can be prosecuted for helping a loved one to die.

Debbie Purdy, a woman with MS, led the successful campaign to address the issue of clarification around assisted suicide.

Director of policy & research at the MS Society Jayne Spink said that the organisation welcomes the guidance and clarity the DPP has set out, though it remains concerned that laws on assisted suicide continue to place a burden on individuals who seek end of life care and are forced to support themselves, instead of society providing it.

"There is still a long way to go before the palliative and end of life care offered to people with MS is the best it can be. The DPP guidance does not detract from the unfulfilled duty of care from the government," she added.

On February 15th, the MS Society launched its 2010 Manifesto in a high profile and serious attempt to encourage the next government to work on fixing MS inequalities.

Read about Barchester expertise in offering multiple sclerosis support.