Jewish law prohibits assisted dying (also known as assisted euthanasia or medical assistance in dying).

Ematai has been working with Jewish and non-Jewish allies to push back against the spread of assisted dying while presenting an alternative and humane approach to end-of-life care.

Our work has included publishing an editorial in The Jewish Chronicle (article below) and submitting public policy briefs to the Canadian Special Joint Committee on MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) for Mental Illness as well as the New York State Bar Association Task Force on Medical Aid in Dying. In areas where MAiD is legalized (including Canada and 10 US states), we have been helping healthcare providers address halachic concerns that arise in the workplace.

In the UK, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater introduced a private bill in the House of Commons to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales. The bill passed its first round of voting on November 29, 2024. Together with leading UK palliative care experts, religious leaders from within the Jewish community and leaders of other faiths, we are working to prevent the legalisation of assisted dying in the UK. If you are a UK citizen, please join us by taking a stand and signing the UK Citizens Against Assisted Dying Bill petition here. UK healthcare providers can sign the Our Duty of Care petition here.

The information sheet below gives you additional steps to take.