What is VSED?
Voluntarily stopping eating and drinking is a legal end of life option available to adults in the UK who have mental capacity. It involves a conscious and intentional choice to stop taking food and fluids in order to hasten death, made freely and without pressure or coercion.
VSED is distinct from assisted dying, which remains illegal in the UK. It is recognised as a lawful expression of personal autonomy and self-determination at the end of life.
People choosing VSED commonly have a progressive, terminal illness, or severely reduced independence as a result of frailty or chronic health problems. Someone might choose VSED because they feel their suffering has become unacceptable, or they want to pre-empt the last phase of the dying process or avoid potential suffering or unacceptable deterioration in the future. With good planning and support, VSED can be a peaceful, dignified way for some people to die.
By choosing to no longer take food and fluids, the person allows their body to shut down gradually. 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.
The process usually takes one to two weeks, though this varies depending on a person’s health and circumstances. With good preparation and the support of those close to the person, family, friends, and healthcare professionals, VSED can be managed in a way that reduces discomfort and allows the person to remain at home if that is their wish. Comfort care may include mouth care to ease dryness, medication to relieve symptoms such as agitation, and emotional or spiritual support.
Because VSED requires determination and support from those around the person, it is important that the decision is openly discussed and carefully planned.
Some people describe VSED as a way of turning towards death with dignity and choice, and in a manner that feels humane, peaceful, and aligned with their values.
Facts vs Myths
Facts: What VSED is
A self-directed choice to stop eating and drinking, to cause death without medical intervention.
With good comfort care, the process is usually calm, and symptoms can be well managed.
A natural physiological process that follows once food and fluid are stopped.
A voluntary, informed decision made by someone with mental capacity.
A self-determined choice, free from coercion.
A gradual process, allowing time for reflection, support, and comfort care.
Planning, reassurance, and good support can help ease physical and emotional difficulties.
Careful preparation is essential: clarifying wishes, informing supporters, and arranging comfort care.
A conscious, informed end-of-life choice by a person with capacity, unlike anorexia, which is a mental health disorder.
A lawful option, though there is currently no formal national guidance for health and care professionals.
Myths: What VSED is not
Not assisted dying or euthanasia – no one supplies or administers life-ending medication.
Not a painful way to die (with the right support).
Not a violent or traumatic death.
Not starvation from neglect or lack of resources.
Not forced on anyone.
Not an instant process – death generally occurs over one to two weeks.
Not without challenges – some discomfort may occur.
Not something to be undertaken without planning and support, both practical and emotional.
Not anorexia.
Not illegal in the UK.