Assisted suicide proponents have made several claims about assisted dying and disability in attempts to suggest that disabled persons support a change in the law and such legislation would be compatible with respect and support for the disabled community.

The reality is that the legalisation of assisted suicide is in fact a major concern for disabled people. Not only do disabled people and disability rights organisations not support a change in the law, but there are serious concerns that such a law would show significant disrespect for disabled persons who already struggle to receive proper social and medical support. Based on international evidence, there is also worry that legalising assisted suicide could put disabled people at risk and negatively impact the medical care they require.

In light of this, the APPG for Dying Well has written a factual briefing on disabled people and assisted dying. The full briefing is available here.