Noel Conway has motor-neurone disease and has taken his case for a medically-assisted death to appeal. He is supported by Dignity in Dying, the campaign group for legalising assisted suicide. They say Noel should have the option of an assisted death and be able to die with dignity. ‘Dignity’ is being used in this debate to mean ‘freedom to choose how and when to end your life medically’. Traditionally, it means recognising and conferring value on a person. Noel’s condition prompts compassion, as did Tony Nicklinson and Debbie Purdy, who also fought to have medically-assisted deaths. But linking dignity with assisted dying sends the wrong message. Dignity means deserving honour or respect, but this use of the word means something different. If we let ‘dignity’ be hijacked to mean choice and independence, we will add to the sufferings of those at the end of life.