Diane Pretty, who died fighting for dignity in dying. Photo: Photo courtesy Dignity in Dying
The greatest campaign of the twenty-first century?
Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, discusses the importance of the fight to legalise assisted dying
In 2007, when considering whether to leave the Equal Opportunities Commission, I knew I wanted to move to another equally important and valuable campaign. Once in a generation a controversy arises on an ethical or political issue in which strong pressure for change is met by strong resistance. Examples have been the abolition of the slave trade, the legalisation of homosexuality, the legalisation of abortion, and the decriminalisation of suicide. Many of them share a common theme – the extension of liberty and choice (responsibly exercised), and rejection of the right of the state or church to make decisions on an individual’s behalf. The movement to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people is one of the great campaigns of the twenty-first century. I have never been more aware of the importance of fighting for what I believe is right, not only for myself, but for those who are unable to fight, and for those like Diane Pretty who died fighting. As I see it, Dignity in Dying really has just one driving force, and that is compassion. I genuinely believe that, which is why it is so frustrating when opponents to choice at the end of life paint such a dark picture of us.
