Dear All,

Coroners and Justice Bill in House of Lords

This Bill is attempting to tighten up the Suicide Act to prevent the internet promotion of suicide. But some members of the House of Lords, aided and abetted by the pro-euthanasia lobby, are trying to hijack it to legalise assisting suicide for the terminally ill. So far three amendments to this effect (173, 174 and 177) have been proposed by Lords Falconer, Joffe and Alderdice. These amendments will be voted on either on 30 June, or more likely on 7 July.

It is still not too late to write to peers

Please write to at least one Peer asking them to oppose any amendments allowing assisted suicide. All the information you will need, along with background on the bill, points to make and contact details, are available on the CNK website.

Nadia Kajouji

This 18 year old Canadian student at Carleton University, Ottawa tragically took her life earlier this year after being in contact with an internet predator. Minnesota police identified William Melchert-Dinkel, a 46-year-old nurse, as the person who 'befriended' Nadia by posing as a suicidal young woman. Melchert-Dinkel has also been linked with UK suicides. The real purpose of the Coroners and Justice Bill is to stop this kind of abuse. Read more on the CNK website.

British Medical Association Annual Representative Meeting

Seven motions (numbered 370 and 370a-f), due to be discussed in the Medical Ethics Section at 1025-1115 on Wednesday 1st July, call for the BMA ARM to support a change in the law to legalise 'assisted death' or 'assisted dying' - meaning either assisted suicide or euthanasia. In June 2006 the BMA voted by a large majority to oppose any change of the law to allow assisted suicide and euthanasia and this has ever since been the settled position of the association.

Serious concerns over Swiss suicides

The Swiss suicide organisation, Dignitas, has come under serious criticism in the last few months for malpractice. On 22 June The Guardian published details of the medical conditions of people who are given assisted suicide at this so-called clinic many of whom are not terminally ill on any definition. Doctors' leaders (Prof Steve Field, RCGP Chairman; Dr John Saunders, RCP Ethics Committee Chairman and Dr Tony Calland, BMA Ethics Committee Chairman) are quoted expressing serious concern.

Swiss government considering ban

Just as some members of the House of Lords are attempting to legalise assisted suicide in Britain the Swiss government, alarmed about the activities of Dignitas, is considering banning it.

Michael Wenham

Michael Wenham, who has motor neurone disease, has told the BBC politics show why he doesn't think the law should be changed to allow relatives to assist terminally ill or severely disabled relatives to travel abroad to commit suicide You can watch the item on the CCFON website.

RCN consultation on assisting suicide

This consultation has now closed. The RCN is expected to report on its findings later in July. CNK raises two key questions that require answers.

Debbie Purdy appeal in Lords

Debbie Purdy continues to campaign to 'clarify' the law on assisting suicide. The Court of Appeal said although prosecution of a relative accompanying her to Dignitas was unlikely, they would not rule for an explanatory policy. She continues to challenge this judgment. The judgement of the House of Lords is expected later in July.

Margo MacDonald

Margo MacDonald has now published her consultation findings and claims to have the backing of at least 21 MSPs. She plans to produce a draft bill on assisted suicide and euthanasia later this year. We are waiting to see what it says.

How safe is safe?

It is often argued by the pro-euthanasia lobby that laws allowing assisted suicide can be safeguarded from abuse. A new article on the CNK website shows how effective safeguards are impossible.

Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Q&A?

An updated Q&A on all aspects of assisted suicide and euthanasia is now available on the CNK website.

Thank you for all your support

Care Not Killing