Raising Awareness of
Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED)
What is VSED?
Voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED) is a lawful practice by which an adult with mental capacity decides to forgo all oral intake of food and fluids in order to hasten their death. It is a decision made in the absence of control or coercion.
With good planning and support, VSED can be a peaceful, dignified way for someone to die.
While VSED follows the natural process of dying it is fundamentally different from the natural loss of appetite which can occur at the end of life.
People considering VSED
Making end of life choices is incredibly personal. Our resources are here to equip you with accurate, relevant information on VSED to empower you as you are exploring or planning VSED.
Family, Friends, Close Network
Family, friends and a person's close network play an important role at every step of a their VSED journey: during the information-gathering and decision making process, the preparation, the fast and death. Our resources are here to support you and give you information on how to support your loved one.
Health and Care Professionals
Doctors and other Health and Care Professionals are legally allowed to support a person during VSED. Our resources inform about medical and care needs that commonly arise during VSED and what support professionals can offer.
About Us
Talk VSED is a UK-based, citizen-led working group consisting of family members of those who have chosen voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED), End of Life Doulas and former healthcare professionals with experience of or an interest in VSED. We have come together as volunteers to promote awareness and understanding of VSED as a legal choice, and to support informed, respectful conversations on the subject.
Creating Informational Resources
Our Projects
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Holding Public Information Sessions
Collecting Case Studies
Advocating for National Guidance
on VSED
Raising Media Awareness and
Encouraging Responsible Coverage
