I am personally affected by the systemic biases that individuals with learning disabilities face in healthcare decisions, particularly the automatic imposition of 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) orders. Living with a learning disability myself, it is deeply distressing and offensive to know that such discriminatory practices exist, reducing the worth of lives based simply on a disability.

Across many regions, individuals with learning disabilities are subject to these automatic DNR orders, which assume that our lives hold less value and that there is no quality of life worth preserving. This is a misconception fueled by ignorance and prejudice. Every individual, irrespective of their abilities or disabilities, has a right to decide their medical treatments and to live a life deserving of dignity and respect.

Medical ethics dictate that all patients should be treated with equality and fairness, and yet, this automatic imposition of DNR orders shows a stark disparity in how people with learning disabilities are treated within our healthcare system. It is imperative to abolish such practices that judge a person's life value based on a learning disability, and instead, ensure that decisions made are always in the best interest of the patient, guided by true informed consent and the ethical duty of care.

Statistics have highlighted the stigma and discrimination against those with learning disabilities. A report by the UK Health Foundation found that individuals with learning disabilities are significantly more likely to face premature death due to inadequate healthcare services. This should alarm us all!

We must strongly advocate for policy change to stop this injustice. We need healthcare providers, policymakers, and society at large to acknowledge this issue and work collaboratively to put an end to automatic DNR orders based solely on learning disabilities.

Join me in calling for a world where all lives, with their unique challenges and triumphs, are valued and cherished equally. Sign this petition to demand an end to the automatic imposition of DNR orders on individuals with learning disabilities. Let's ensure every patient receives respect and the right to make informed decisions about their own lives.