February 2020

52 Wanstead Village Directory
ASSISTED DYING
Paul Kaufman, Chair of East London Humanists, sets the scene for the
grim but important topic of assisted dying, which will be discussed at
the group’s meeting this month with guest speaker Keiron McCabe
Keiron McCabe campaigns full time for
reform of the law on assisted dying
on behalf of Humanists UK. He works
alongside pressure groups such as My
Death, My Decision.
Keiron is young, energetic and passionate
about his role. He cut his campaigning teeth
working for the Hilary Clinton campaign in
the 2016 US election. So, why choose to be
involved in this of all areas of work?
Keiron explains that it is hard to exaggerate
how important reform is to the individuals
involved, and the positive difference reform
would make to them and their peace of mind.
The sense of injustice is compounded by the
fact that polls show overwhelming support
for a change in the law. The largest such poll
was commissioned by Dignity in Dying last
year. It showed 84% of respondents support
a change. Support is consistently strong
across age, gender and class, and there is even
stronger support among people who stated
they had a disability. There is broad support
for assisted dying across most faith groups,
including more than 82% support amongst
Christian respondents.
So, why is popular opinion, and the wish of the
individuals concerned, being thwarted? The
resistance to change is largely spearheaded by
religious diehards, not least unelected bishops
in the House of Lords. Objections are often
rooted in a belief in an overriding ‘divine will.’
One individual affected is Paul Lamb. Keiron
has worked closely with Paul in support of his
recent high-profile High Court challenge. He
was paralysed from the neck down following
an accident 30 years ago. Paul enjoys the love
and support of family and friends and enjoys
Paul Lamb, 63, believes the current
law, which bans assisted suicide
under threat of up to 14 years'
imprisonment, is discriminatory
and breaches his human rights
a quality of life which he feels currently makes
life worth living. But Paul is in constant and
growing pain. His condition is incurable. He
dreads life becoming intolerable and lacking
the power to choose the time and place of
his death. He has no religious belief or belief
in a divine will. His wish is carefully thought
through and rational. He simply wants the
reassurance of knowing he will be able to die
in his own home, surrounded by those he
loves, at a time of his choosing.
Many progressive jurisdictions have passed
reforms which would allow Paul’s wish to be
granted. Fears of abuse and the ‘thin end of
the wedge’ argument have proved groundless.
For example, Portland, Oregon, where the law
was changed in 1997, has exceptionally good
hospice provision and palliative care. But now
the terminally ill in Portland are able to make
an informed choice.
Keiron’s talk will take place at Wanstead
Library on 24 February from 7.30pm (free;
visitors welcome). Visit wnstd.com/elh
To advertise, call 020 8819 6645 or visit wnstd.com