Assisted Dying, Ableism and Whose Choice Is It Really?

In this episode, Chandy and Emma dive into one of the heaviest and most urgent topics in disability justice: assisted dying laws. With new assisted dying legislation moving through the UK Parliament, and similar medical aid in dying frameworks already active in parts of the US and Canada, they ask an important question: whose choice is this really when care, benefits and palliative support are being cut?

They discuss how ableism in medicine, politics and families shapes who is quietly seen as “better off dead”, why disabled people often feel like a burden, and what happens when autonomy is reduced to choosing between poverty, pain or death. They also explore the emotional reality of suicidal thoughts when you are disabled or unsupported, how medical assumptions can be wrong, and why safeguards cannot work in a society built on ableism.

This episode is a raw and honest conversation about death, dignity and disabled people’s right to live.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of assisted dying, suicide, terminal illness, suicidal thoughts, eugenics, ableism and medical trauma. Please listen with care.

Support resources:

United Kingdom: Samaritans – Call 116 123 for 24/7 emotional support Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential 24/7 text support Mind – 0300 123 3393 for mental health information and support

United States: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988, or use web chat via 988lifeline.org The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth) – 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 or visit thetrevorproject.org

If you are struggling after listening to this episode, please reach out to one of the organisations above or someone you trust. You are not alone.