DPP Issues New Guidance on Assisted Suicide

LONDON, February 25, 2010 - The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has launched new
guidance today on assisted suicide.

Their publication follows a successful campaign led by Debbie
Purdy, who has MS, on the issue of clarification around assisted suicide.

Jayne Spink, Director of Policy & Research at the MS Society,
said: "While we welcome the guidance and the clarity it provides we remain
concerned that the law on assisted suicide continues to place a burden on
individuals to seek end of life care and support themselves, rather than on
society to provide it.

There is still a long way to go before the palliative and end
of life care offered to people with MS is the best it can be. The DPP
guidance does not detract from the unfulfilled duty of care from the
government."

Jenna Litchfield, Senior Press Officer (Acting), MS Society UK, tel no. +44(0)20-8438-0782, email: jlitchfield at mssociety.org.uk