Tomorrow, the Senedd will vote on a crucial issue – the assisted dying law. For families across Wales, this vote is about more than legislation; it’s personal. Terminal illness strips loved ones of dignity and choice when they need it most.
Campaign group Dignity in Dying has shared heartfelt letters from families urging Senedd members to vote in favour of the Legislative Consent Motion. This motion isn’t about deciding if assisted dying should exist (the House of Commons has already agreed); it’s about how it will be shaped in Wales, ensuring it aligns with our NHS, languages, and values.
Consider Noah from Chepstow. At just 19, he’s battling an incurable brain tumour. While his peers plan their futures, Noah faces a limited timeframe. He wants the option of assisted dying, a choice that currently would force him into unfamiliar and costly systems away from support in his own country.
Then there’s Clare Williams from Pontyclun, whose father endured a painful death from cancer. Without options like Dignitas, many can’t access the gentle departure they deserve. Her family now fears for her father-in-law, diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. For them, and countless others, rejecting the motion means increased suffering and inequality.
Passing the motion ensures any assisted dying laws work for Wales, not against it. It offers compassion and choice to families like Clare’s and Noah’s, integrating into our beloved NHS rather than marking a privilege for those who can afford it.
This isn’t just policy – it’s about ensuring no family feels deserted, forced into impossible choices. It’s about dignity, common sense, and fairness for everyone. We urge the Senedd to let compassion lead and vote in favour of the Legislative Consent Motion. Let’s make sure every end-of-life choice honours the principles we hold dear.