Should the UK Legalise Assisted Dying?

Some argue that the legalisation of assisted dying encourages one's right to autonomy and offers an opportunity to avoid immense pain and loss of dignity from prolonging their life.  

More Dangerous Not to Legalise It - Not legalising assisted dying risks further secrecy of patients travelling to centres such as Dignitas to access the treatment. The journey can be extremely tough for someone already suffering from a terminal illness. In some cases, this has meant that some patients seek assisted dying earlier, further shortening their time left with friends and family. The patient’s family is also put at risk of prosecution due to the current UK laws on assisted suicide. Additionally, the journey can cost up to £10,000, further discriminating against poorer patients. 

Lesser Evil - Assisted dying offers patients a painless and dignified death, this can be considered as a compassionate act compared to a slow and sometimes painful death in palliative care. The voluntary element means that the patients can feel reassured, knowing they have control over a seemingly helpless situation. Patients who have advocated for assisted dying, such as Paolo Marra and Sophia Blake, have said that it's about “reclaiming control” and leaving your family with good memories. 

Assisted suicide offer patients a painless and dignified death…

Widespread Public Support - Recent civil jury results have shown support for allowing assisted dying for the terminally ill. Similarly, a recent petition created by the Daily Express called ‘Give us our last rights’ has had over 200,000 signatures, further promoting a debate in parliament. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised a free vote in parliament on assisted dying at some point in the current term to re-ignite the debate on assisted dying. 

However, assisted dying raises ethical concerns, as it may contradict the Hippocratic Oath, which entails doctors swearing to uphold ethical standards to treat patients. It may also lead to potential risks of abuse, coercion, and manipulation. Furthermore, the British healthcare infrastructure may be unable to provide effective safeguarding. 

Failed Attempts- Over the past ten years, there have been multiple failed attempts of private members bills in the House of Commons and Lords, which sought to legalise assisted suicide. This proves that there are still major concerns in the debate. The British Medical Association (BMA) has also become neutral on the subject. Most notably, they found that 54% of doctors would be unwilling to participate in the process of assisted death.

A New Social Attitude - Legalising assisted dying could negatively alter society's attitude toward terminal illness, ageing and the medical system. Patients may feel like a burden and may be more likely to choose assisted dying much earlier than necessary. Additionally, it could devalue and produce less trust in the medical system regarding patient care. Disability rights advocates also argued that it devalues disabled people’s lives and that assisted dying would result in a ‘loss of dignity’ by not being given a fighting chance.  

Legalising assisted dying could negatively alter society's attitude toward terminal illness

Slippery Slope - There are risks of patients being abused and forced into dying for monetary gain. It would therefore be difficult for the medical system to ensure that the right safeguarding is in place effectively. Additionally, qualifying to deem a patient’s life eligible for death is still a grey area. Although, it's argued to be the patient's choice, it's essentially the doctor's decision on determining whether they can die.