A new paper by Centre Think Tank tackles two of the biggest concerns around a system of legal assisted dying. Opponents of assisted dying worry it would lead to coercion or assisted dying being used as an alternative to a struggling palliative care system.

However, the international evidence shows the opposite. These systems are safe, give individuals control over the process and are properly safeguarded to prevent abuse. There is also no evidence of a negative impact on the palliative sector. This study strengthens the case for assisted dying to be open to mentally competent and terminally ill adults.

Physician Dr Alex Allinson, independent member of the House of Keys for Ramsey who proposed the recent legislation to legalise assisted dying, which passed the House of Keys second reading with 70% of the vote, wrote the foreword for the paper and said: “The analytical work carried out by Centre Think Tank addresses key issues in the debate over assisted dying legislation, particularly the safeguards necessary and protection against abuse and coercion, but also the role of assisted dying as an extension and adjunct to quality palliative care.

I hope this research will help guide decision-makers in those countries introducing assisted dying legislation, but also assist legislators in countries who already have provided this healthcare provision to evaluate and monitor the integrity of their existing laws”.

The Campaign for Dignity in Dying commented: “Dignity in Dying welcomes this paper from Centre Think Tank and their support for a change in the law on assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults; a position shared by the vast majority of Britons across the political spectrum and one that is increasingly the hallmark of modern, compassionate, progressive societies around the world.

There is a growing body of evidence from jurisdictions across Australia, New Zealand and the US that a clear, legal framework for choice at the end of life is far safer and more compassionate than the current blanket ban on assisted dying in this country.

High-quality palliative care and the option of assisted death go hand in hand. Palliative care services can grow and improve alongside the implementation of assisted dying, which often proves to be a catalyst for change, to ensure that nobody is forced to suffer against their wishes as they die.

We thank Centre Think Tank for their contribution to the debate and hope it will inform ongoing consideration of this important issue in parliaments across the British Isles”.

Director of Centre Think Tank, Torrin Wilkins, said: “Our paper looked at states where legislation was already in place to allow assisted dying for mentally competent and terminally ill adults. These were the US states of California, Oregon and Washington, and the Australian states of Western Australia and Victoria. It clearly shows that assisted dying laws such as these are safe and they put choice and compassion at the heart of the system.

There are also clear calls for an increase in palliative care funding, which has been seen with countries which have introduced assisted dying legislation”.

Notes on the paper

• The paper has been welcomed by three Members of the Isle of Man House of Keys who represent Douglas North, Middle and Ramsey.

Notes to editors

• Centre Think Tank is centrist and moderate.
• Our mission is to research new policy ideas, to create discussion around different issues, and to campaign for better public services and to boost businesses.
• We have cross-party support from Members of Parliament, the House of Lords, and the devolved parliaments of the UK.
• We support assisted dying becoming legal within the UK.