Euthanasia and assisted dying is a controversialissue, with passionate campaigners on each side of the argument
THE debate around euthanasia and assisted dying in the UK is a controversial and complicated one.
Some say choosing when to die is to die with dignity, while others say it undermines the value of human life.
Getty Images
So what is euthanasia and assisted suicide and what is the debate surrounding this issue?
The Sun is here to explain the details surrounding this sensitive and divisive subject.
Euthanasia, sometimes known as mercy killing, is the practice of intentionally ending someones life to relieve their pain and suffering.
Assistedsuicide is deliberately helping or encouraging someone to take their own life, for example by providingthem with medicine to do so.
The term comes from an ancient Greek phrase meaning good death.
Both are illegal in the UK with euthanasia carrying a maximum penalty of life in jail, and assisted suicide 14 years. The only exception is passive euthanasia, which is where treatment that might extend someones life is withdrawn such as a life machine being turned off.
The only alternatives for terminally ill patients in the UK arehospice care or refusing treatment, which mentally capable patientshave the right to do.
As a result, some terminally ill people decide to travel abroad to die.In Switzerland, where assisted suicide is legal (but euthanasia is not), you do not have to be a Swiss citizen to use a clinic.However, it is not cheap assisted suicide non-profit Dignitas charges patients 3,380 for its services.
Reuters
Euthanasia anddying is a controversialissue with passionate campaigners on each side of the argument.
People who agree with euthanasia often argue that people should be allowed to die with dignity and they should be able to decide when and how they die, and potentially save their loved ones the pain of seeing them suffer.
Some also believe death is private, and its not the states place to interfere if a person wants to die.
Meanwhile, those in favour of euthanasia also point out that we euthanise our pets as an act of kindness and resources could be put towards people who want to live, or whose conditions are curable.
However, there are concerns that allowing euthanasia would give doctors too much power, and might even worsencare for the terminally ill and research into their illnesses.
Some also believe it goes against the job description of doctors and nurses and undermines the value of human life.
Others also worry about the possibility of someone potentially recovering, or changing their mind when its already too late. Some have even suggestedit could lead to people feeling pressured into asking to die, as they dont want to be a burden upon those around them.
Many religious people are opposed to euthanasia and assisted dying too, as they believe God decides when we die.
Right now, despite fierce campaigning from organisations such as Dignity in Dying, the law is showing no signs of changing in the UK.
In September 2015MPs debated the issue for the first time in almost 20 years but the Assisted Dying Bill was rejected by 330 votes to 118, leading to reformers branding MPs ridiculously out of touch.
Motor neurone disease sufferer Noel Conway is one of the latest to try and challenge UK law on assisted dying.
The retired college lecturer took his case to the Court of Appeal after he was refused permission to bring a judicial review over the blanket ban on providing a person with assistance to die.
His lawyers said when he has less than six months to live and retains the mental capacity to make the decision, he would wish to be able to enlist assistance to bring about a peaceful and dignified death.
He claims the Suicide Act 1961 is incompatible with Article 8, which relates to respect for private and family life, and Article 14, which protects from discrimination.
Sun columnist Lorraine Kelly agreed, saying it was cruel for the state to deny him a peaceful death.
Lord Justice McFarlane and Lord Justice Beatsondecided in his favour on April 12, 2017, granting him the right to bring a High Court legal challenge.
Earlier this year a Belgian Paralympian caused controversy when she told reporters in Rioshe signed euthanasia papers in 2008 but is not ready to go through with it yet.
Marieke Vervoort, 37,suffers from an incurable degenerative muscle disease andpicked up the silver medal in the 400m T52 final.
Getty Images
Read more from the original source:
What is euthanasia and assisted suicide and what is the law in the ... - The Sun
- Euthanasia - The New York Times [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Euthanasia suicide mercy-killing right-to-die physician ... [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2016]
- California Euthanasia Laws - FindLaw [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2016]
- Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide & Health Care Decisions Part 1 ... [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2016]
- Euthanasia | Define Euthanasia at Dictionary.com [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2016]
- Euthanasia and assisted suicide - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2016]
- Patients Rights Council [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2016]
- Assisted Suicide - Information on right-to-die and ... [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2016]
- Euthanasia - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Euthanasia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Euthanasia | Define Euthanasia at Dictionary.com [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2016]
- Euthanasia and assisted suicide - Arguments - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide - All sides [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Euthanasia - New World Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Euthanasia Debate | Debate.org [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Action T4 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Free euthanasia Essays and Papers - 123helpme [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2016]
- Euthanasia in the United States - Wikipedia, the free ... [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- Belgium euthanasia: First child dies - CNN.com [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- First child dies by legal euthanasia in Belgium - CBS News [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- Voluntary euthanasia - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Taking Life: Humans, by Peter Singer - Utilitarian [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Gentle Journey Phoenix Arizona In Home Pet Euthanasia [Last Updated On: December 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 25th, 2016]
- Euthanasia - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2017]
- Half a Life (Star Trek: The Next Generation) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2017]
- Animal euthanasia - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2017]
- Doctor 'asked family to hold down struggling euthanasia victim' - Catholic Herald Online [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Mass euthanasia rumors prompt adoptions en masse at animal control shelter in Georgia - fox6now.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Once euthanasia is voluntary, it will become irresistible. Just ask the Dutch - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Doctor who asked dementia patient's family to hold her down while she gave lethal injection cleared - The Independent [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- New Law in Taiwan Halts Euthanasia of Stray Animals - Seeker - Seeker [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after discovery of euthanasia drug - Detroit Free Press [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- County animal shelter aggressively working to cut euthanasia rate - ABC15 Arizona [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Taiwan bans euthanasia of stray animals - Yahoo - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Euthanasia drug found in dog food prompts recall - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Euthanasia reform moves forward in the senate - Deseret News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in it - CNN [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Imagining a future with compulsory euthanasia - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Bill to Ban Gas Chamber Euthanasia Moves to the Senate - Good4Utah [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Wheeling-based Evanger's recalls dog food over fears it may contain euthanasia drug - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Mary Kills People Promotes Euthanasia - National Right to Life News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Dutch doctors against euthanasia for advanced dementia patients - NL Times [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Canadian study touts euthanasia's cost 'benefit' - Brnow [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- New euthanasia debate in Spain - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Pug Dies After Eating Dog Food Contaminated With Euthanasia Drug - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Oral submission on voluntary euthanasia | Scoop News - Scoop.co.nz (press release) [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- MP's personal story behind euthanasia support | Queensland Times - The Queensland Times [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Could laser therapy help dog owners avoid euthanasia? - 12news.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Labour will not introduce private members bill on euthanasia - Scoop.co.nz (press release) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Speaker receives citizens' initiative on legalisation of euthanasia - YLE News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Canadian doctors are struggling with euthanasia - National Right to Life News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Another company issues recall after euthanasia drug found in dog food - KATU [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 220 Dutch doctors take out ad to oppose euthanasia for patients with dementia - National Right to Life News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Medical Council strikes out against euthanasia: 'Patients' positions in a state of flux' - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's march Down Under - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Law students accuse Medical Council of twisting their euthanasia arguments - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- More dog food recalled because it may contain euthanasia drug - Q13 FOX [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Hanson, Hinch launch passionate arguments for euthanasia law - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- FDA confirms euthanasia agent pentobarbital in dog food | Food ... - Food Safety News [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Pauline Hanson and Derryn Hinch get riled up about euthanasia - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Oregon's Euthanasia Bill Is Intentionally Ambiguous - National Review [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Brigit Forsyth on euthanasia, internet dating and whether she'd consider Likely Lads revival - ChronicleLive [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2017]
- Conservative leadership hopefuls argue drugs, euthanasia, and fiscal policy in Langley - Langley Advance [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- New German film addresses Nazi child 'euthanasia' - euronews [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Oregon's euthanasia bill awash with 'ambiguity' - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- How Did A Euthanasia Drug End Up In Dog Food? | Care2 Causes - Care2.com [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Adoption center works to reduce euthanasia - The Dominion Post [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Police stance was to not answer questions over details of euthanasia checkpoint - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- WA election: Euthanasia, Safe Schools hot topics as Liberal, Labor leaders face Christian voters - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Lessons from indigenous wisdom in the euthanasia debate - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Quebec Moves Toward Euthanasia for Alzheimer's - National Review [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Susan Dale Austen appears in court facing charges relating to ... - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Once Euthanasia Voluntary, It'll Become Irresistible, Ask the Dutch; Real Humility; and More! - National Catholic Register (blog) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- APA Position on Medical Euthanasia - Psychiatric Times [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Should Quebec's Alzheimer's patients be eligible for euthanasia? - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Pike County animal shelter reduces euthanasia rates - WYMT News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- 45 Rescued Cats and Dogs Are Facing Euthanasia But One Woman is Fighting to Build Them Shelter - One Green Planet [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Minnesota Euthanasia Advocates Introduce Legislation to Legalize ... - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Choice is an Illusion President Margaret Dore States Hawaii ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Italy: tetraplegic DJ stirs up euthanasia debate by assisted suicide in Switzerland - euronews [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]