The Assisted Dignity Act – A Compassionate Approach to End-of-Life and Mental Health Rights

Preamble

In recognition of personal autonomy, the reduction of unnecessary suffering, and the moral obligation of society to support individuals in crisis, this Act establishes a legal framework for assisted dying for individuals facing unbearable, irreversible suffering—whether from terminal illness or long-term, treatment-resistant depression.

This Act is designed to:

✅ Minimize suffering while ensuring every possible alternative is explored first.

✅ Provide safeguards to prevent impulsive decisions.

✅ Use data from cases to improve mental health and societal well-being.

✅ Acknowledge the dignity of individuals who have exhausted all options.

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Section 1: Eligibility for Assisted Dying

A person may apply for Assisted Dignity Procedures if they meet one of the following criteria:

1. Terminal Illness with Severe Suffering

Must have less than 12 months to live as confirmed by two independent medical professionals.

Must be experiencing severe, unrelievable pain or extreme distress.

Must provide consistent, repeated requests over a 3-month period.

2. Long-Term Treatment-Resistant Depression

Must have been diagnosed with severe, chronic depression for at least 10 years.

Must have undergone all reasonable treatments, including therapy, medication, and alternative approaches.

Must have had intensive mental health support for a minimum of 2 years before application approval.

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Section 2: The Mandatory Support & Reflection Process

1️⃣ Comprehensive Evaluation

Applicants undergo a multi-disciplinary assessment including:

✅ Psychiatric review

✅ Neurological evaluation

✅ Social and environmental factors analysis

2️⃣ Mandatory Treatment and Intervention Period

If applying due to depression, the applicant must engage in at least two years of additional treatment efforts, including community support programs and social reintegration efforts.

3️⃣ Data Collection for Societal Improvement

Every approved case must include a comprehensive report analyzing why the system failed the individual.

Reports will be used to improve mental health policies, funding, and community support programs.

The goal is to reduce future cases through better mental health support and societal reform.

4️⃣ Final Reflection Period

Before final approval, individuals must confirm their decision at three separate points.

A six-month final waiting period ensures non-impulsive choices.

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Section 3: Protection Against Abuse

🔴 No approval for impulsive cases (e.g., those experiencing acute depressive episodes without long-term history).

🔴 Strict oversight by medical and ethical review boards.

🔴 No coercion or external pressure allowed—applicants must self-initiate the request multiple times.

🔴 Family and community involvement to explore alternatives.

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Final Thought: A Brighter Future Through Compassion

The Assisted Dignity Act is not about encouraging death—it is about ensuring that suffering individuals receive every possible chance to heal. If all else fails, they are given the dignity to make their own choice.

This Act also forces society to reflect. Every assisted case represents a failure in our system, pushing governments and communities to do better.

🔵 This is not about death—it’s about life, dignity, and accountability.