People now have the right not to suffer at the end of life

At last. How profoundly relieved I am that the bill has finally been passed. How grateful I am to British democracy - with its ancient, creaky, slow-grinding wheels - which after so many days of impassioned debate, after so much often infuriating repetition and amendment, and in the face of propaganda and hostility from much of the media, has finally done the right thing. People will now have the right not to suffer needlessly.

- Melanie Reid

That is at the core of this change. This bill is about alleviating suffering. It is about shortening death, not removing life. Civilised society strives to keep people healthy and pain free throughout their life, and now that same compassion can be extended right to the very end.

There will be no rush to die. The numbers opting for assisted dying will, I predict, be small. Meanwhile, those of us still very busy living have an option when the time comes. Believe me, the knowledge that we will have choice in the future will allow us to better enjoy the present, to lead a happier and more fulfilled life. Everyone needs to know there's an escape route.