Care Not Killing

Care Not Killing is a UK based alliance of individuals and organizations that promotes palliative care and opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide. The alliance was formed in 2006 and has since been active in providing a balanced view on end-of-life issues, advocating for the improvement of palliative care services and opposing any change in the law on euthanasia and assisted suicide.

History

Care Not Killing was established in 2006 in response to growing concerns about the potential legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide in the UK. The alliance was formed by a diverse group of organizations, including medical professionals, faith groups, and disability rights advocates. The aim was to ensure that the complexities of end-of-life care and the potential dangers of legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide were fully understood and considered by lawmakers and the public.

Objectives

The primary objective of Care Not Killing is to promote more and better palliative care. The alliance believes that every individual has the right to receive high-quality care at the end of life, and that improvements in palliative care can alleviate much of the suffering associated with terminal illness.

Care Not Killing also aims to ensure that existing laws against euthanasia and assisted suicide are maintained. The alliance argues that these laws are necessary to protect vulnerable people, including the elderly, disabled, and those with chronic or terminal illnesses, from being pressured into ending their lives.

Activities

Care Not Killing engages in a range of activities to achieve its objectives. These include:

• Advocacy: The alliance advocates for the improvement of palliative care services and opposes any change in the law on euthanasia and assisted suicide. It does this through lobbying, public speaking, and media engagement.

• Education: Care Not Killing provides information and resources to help people understand the complexities of end-of-life care and the potential dangers of legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide.

• Research: The alliance conducts and supports research into end-of-life care, euthanasia, and assisted suicide. This research is used to inform its advocacy and education efforts.

Criticism

While Care Not Killing's stance is supported by many, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that individuals should have the right to choose when and how they die, and that laws against euthanasia and assisted suicide infringe on this right. Others argue that improvements in palliative care, while important, cannot alleviate all suffering at the end of life.

See also

• Euthanasia in the United Kingdom
• Assisted suicide
• Palliative care
• Disability rights