Two pieces of news have stood out in the debate on assisted suicide and euthanasia as 2018 draws to a close.

Noel Conway at the Supreme Court

As you know, Care Not Killing has twice intervened in the case of Mr Noel Conway, who challenged the law on assisted suicide's compatibility with human rights. The case was first announced almost two years ago, and after the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court ruling against Mr Conway, his legal team sought a further appeal before the Supreme Court. After an oral permission hearing on 22 November, the Court refused permission, bringing the case to an end. Care Not Killing's response was picked up by national media, and our spokespersons discussed the decision and where it left the wider debate on radio. Disability campaigner Baroness Campbell said the decision gave 'relief and hope to thousands of Disabled People who fear a change in the law'; Dignity in Dying (formerly the Voluntary Euthanasia Society) have said they will seek a renewed Parliamentary bid - having failed by a massive 330-118 just three years ago.

Dr Peter Saunders' departure

Our long-time Campaign Director Dr Peter Saunders, who has served us in a pro bono capacity for 12 years, is stepping down ahead of taking up a new role as CEO of the International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA) in 2019. Peter has been an invaluable leader in our work and while we wish him every joy and success, his contribution will be missed by many. The CNK Board has decided to appoint a full-time CEO, and we will let you know more about that soon. The Board has also been strengthened by the addition of a new member, Steve Fouch, who worked as a nurse for many years, in palliative care and HIV/AIDS.

Peter gave a series of talks outlining key aspects of the end of life debate at a day conference in November; you may find the videos of interest or use.

In brief:

Deborah Binner, whose husband's assisted suicide in Switzerland was the subject of a BBC documentary, told The Times: 'his death felt very much like abandonment and like it wasn't a collaborative act... Isn't how we support the dying so central to who we are as human beings? And there's a part of me that believes it's better, if a person has the best possible care, to let nature take its course.'

In Canada, paediatricians envisage euthanasia for children without parental consent or even knowledge, ahead of a report to Parliament on extension to minors, as hospital waiting rooms begin advertising 'Medical Aid in Dying' as 'a medical service in Canada, whereby physicians and nurse practitioners help eligible patients fulfil their wish to end their suffering.'

The Low Countries remain a source of appalling reports:

  • Dr Mark Van Hoey, a Flemish doctor under investigation for euthanising a bereaved mother, told the Daily Mail that he had euthanised around 140 people and counselled around 500 more.
  • Three doctors from East Flanders are being investigated concerning the euthanasia of 38-year-old Tine Nys in 2010, two months after being diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism. When her family filed a complaint, the psychiatrist who approved Nys' request to die said 'we must try to stop these people', calling the family 'seriously dysfunctional.'
  • Dutch authorities are bringing charges against a doctor who had a patient's family restrain her so that she could administer a lethal injection.

Queensland, Australia has seen the jailing of a man for counselling and aiding his wife's suicide, motivated by her life insurance, in what is believed to be a first, while in Germany, an ex-nurse has admitted to murdering 100 patients between 1999 and 2005.

Your support

The response to our Autumn appeal for donations has been incredibly encouraging, and we repeat our thanks to all those who have given single donations, and created, increased or maintained standing orders. CNK has always and will continue to punch above its weight, but as we look to develop our work with the appointment of a full-time paid CEO, our need to ensure financial security remains great. If you would like to make a donation to support our work, which in 2019 could very likely see Parliamentary bids in both Westminster and Holyrood, you can do so at www.carenotkilling.org.uk/donate.

Thank you for your continued support. We wish you and your loved ones (well in advance) a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year.