The issue of voluntary euthanasia takes in medical, legal, ethical, political, individual and practical considerations. On one level, it is an academic debate, with experts battling it out about the pros and cons of assisted dying. It is also a religious debate, as people look to the teachings of their church for guidance on whether or not this could ever be permitted. On the medical front, doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff look to medical practice and ethics to inform their discussions on this issue. And for MPs and Peers who are asked to consider legislation, it is a political debate, with a very different set of considerations than the purely academic or religious. But, most importantly, we should remember that this is also a personal debate.
For the terminally ill, the issue of voluntary euthanasia is often not about ethical or legal considerations. It is about the choices that they are able – or unable – to make at the end of their lives. For those few who would like to be able to opt for voluntary euthanasia, this is not a dry academic debate. It is an emotional and deeply individual debate about what the right choice is for them. The Voluntary Euthanasia Society campaigns for a change in the UK law to allow voluntary euthanasia and physician assisted suicide in certain strictly defined circumstances. We believe that living wills, current legally enforceable under common law, should be enshrined in statute law.
The Term Paper on Euthanasia Voluntary Legalization Person
A law permitting euthanasia, which was passed by the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory of Australia in 1995 (and which came into force in July last year) was overturned last month by a law passed by the Australian Federal Parliament. The 'Andrews Bill' had been passed by a large majority in the House of Representatives, but the result in the Senate remained uncertain up to the day of ...
But other groups and individuals have very different views. Some campaign strongly against voluntary euthanasia, believing it to be morally and ethically wrong. Others have a less certain stance, unsure about whether to support or oppose legalisation. We seek to stimulate debate about voluntary euthanasia, to enable others to develop an informed opinion on this important issue. We respect that individuals will all come to a different conclusion. However, whilst we value the views of those who do not support a change in the law, we ask that they respect our views and enable voluntary euthanasia to be a legal option for those few who would wish to choose it.
This section looks at the debate surrounding three main aspects of ‘end-of-life issues’. Covering voluntary euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide and living wills, these pages give an overview and introduction to the subject. More can be found in our in depth section.
