J.K. Rowling Opposes Assisted Dying Amid House of Lords Debate

Author J.K. Rowling has announced she no longer supports the legalisation of assisted suicide, citing serious concerns about the potential for coercion.

Her remarks come as the House of Lords continues to debate the Assisted Dying Bill, which proposes allowing terminally ill adults in England and Wales to request physician-assisted death under specific conditions.

In a post on X, Rowling stated: “I used to believe in assisted dying. I no longer do, largely because I'm married to a doctor who opened my eyes to the possibilities of coercion of sick or vulnerable people.”

Her husband, Dr Neil Murray, is a practising physician who she says helped her understand the risks involved in legalising such practices.

Rowling first voiced her concerns in 2024 but has recently become more vocal, reposting statements from others opposed to the bill.

One such post was from MP Rosie Duffield, who raised alarms about the lack of safeguards against coercion.

Rowling also shared a statement from Christian ethicist Dr Calum Miller, who wrote: “When you've worked in a hospital and seen ‘Down Syndrome’ as the reason for a Do Not Resuscitate form (not the patient's decision), you begin to realise why introducing a State Suicide Service is a terrible idea.”

Rowling's comments echo concerns from the Bill's critics: legalising assisted dying sends a harmful message to those who are elderly, disabled, or chronically ill, as their lives may be seen as burdensome or less valuable.

A recurring concern is the pressure some may feel to choose death out of a misplaced sense of duty or guilt.

In places where assisted suicide is legalised, the data backs this up. For example, in Oregon, 54 per cent of patients who chose assisted suicide in 2021 cited not wanting to be a burden as a primary reason. In Washington, the figure in 2022 was 59 per cent.

A UK government report earlier this year estimated the NHS could save up to £59.6 million annually if assisted suicide were legalised.

CARE and others heavily criticised this report, as such financial incentives risk prioritising cost-saving over care. This concern was raised in the Commons by Diane Abbott MP, speaking against the Bill.

As the House of Lords continues its debate, Rowling’s intervention highlights how this legislation could have lasting consequences for how society treats its most vulnerable.