On Friday 20 June 2025, Parliament voted 314 in favour, with 291 voting against, in respect to the 3^rd reading of the Assisted Dying Bill, to legalise assisted dying, a deeply emotional and complex decision that will leave many feelings conflicted. The bill will now progress to the house of lords for review. 

At SOS Silence of Suicide, we journey with people in their darkest moments. We listen to those who feel trapped in pain, hopelessness, or grief. And so, while we understand that for some, today brings comfort and choice, we also know there are many others quietly terrified about what this change might mean, amid concerns around possible abuse or coercion. 

Yvette Greenway-Mansfield, CEO and Co-Founder of SOS Silence of Suicide, said: 

“This decision will feel like a lifeline for some and fear for others. We can’t ignore the elephants in the room  –  unscrupulous black market agents that may operate and prey on the vulnerable and lonely  who have no protection and assisted dying being sanctioned  not for those with a terminal illness and decreasing quality of life,  but serious mental ill health that, with accessible and continuous care, could give hope  and  a future.  The risk is that people may choose death when what they truly need is support, hope, and human connection.” 

There are many reasons someone might consider assisted dying in the face of terminal illness – not wishing to be a burden, the desire to pass when their own tolerance levels have been reached or breached  or simply because they do not wish to be  seen as an illness rather than a person. 

We urge the House of Lords to move swiftly and responsibly to ensure that the bill includes: 

• A strict, transparent framework that protects those living with mental health challenges or who feel they are a burden. 

• Ensure mandatory mental health assessments, carried out by trained and impartial professionals. 

• Involve frontline charities like ours in the process those who are walking alongside people when hope feels lost. 

• And crucially, to fund the organisations already holding the pieces so we can bridge the gap before it becomes a point of no return. 

Today should not signal that society is giving up on those in pain. It must be a wake-up call to make sure no one chooses to die because they couldn’t afford to live with dignity or couldn’t find someone to talk to. 

We will continue to be here for those who are struggling, for those left behind, and for those still unsure where they stand in the face of this decision. 

You are not alone. Our freephone helpline 0808 115 1505 is open Monday – Friday, 8pm to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday, 4pm until midnight.