PM Cameron Speaks Out Against Assisted Dying

British Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed that he will vote against any move to legalize assisted dying, saying it could unfairly pressure people into ending their lives.

Cameron’s comments against assisted dying came after Liberal Democrat Care Minister Norman Lamb spoke out in favor of reform, claiming it has “widespread public support.”  For now, assisted suicide in England and Wales remains a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.  However, the Director of Public Prosecutions indicated in 2010 that anyone “acting with compassion on the will of a dying person was unlikely to face criminal charges.”

See Daniel Martin, David Cameron Says He’ll Vote Against Assisted Dying, Daily Mail, March 25, 2014.