Some say choosing when to end your life is dying with dignity but others claim it undermines the value of human life. So what is euthanasia and assisted suicide and what are the issues?
What is euthanasia?
Euthanasia, sometimes known as mercy killing, is the practice of intentionally ending someone's life to relieve their pain and suffering.
The term comes from an ancient Greek phrase meaning "good death".
Euthanasia is deliberately helping or encouraging someone to take their own life, for example by providing them with medicine to do so.
However, assisted suicide involves the person wishing to die taking an active role in ending their own life, which may not be the case with euthanasia.
What is the the law in the UK?
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The only exception is "passive euthanasia", which is where treatment that might extend someone's life is withdrawn – such as a life machine being turned off.
The only alternatives for terminally ill patients in the UK are hospice care or refusing treatment, which mentally capable patients have the right to do.
As a result, some terminally ill people decide to travel abroad to die.
On July 30, 2018, a Supreme Court judge ruled that a man in a permanent vegetative state should be allowed to die, without a full court hearing.
The judgment means if families and doctors are in agreement, they will be able to remove feeding tubes without applying to the Court of Protection.
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.
A British scientist, Professor David Goodall, ended his life at a euthanasia clinic in Switzerland on May 10.
The 104-year-old, who emigrated to Australia when he was 34, said he had raised more than $18,500 (£10,000) to travel to Switzerland.
He decided to end his life after saying he “regretted” reaching his age.
And activist Doctor Philip Nitschke recently premiered his suicide machine, which allows people to end their life in minutes.
Unveiling the 3D-printed machine at the Amsterdam funeral fair, it works by releasing nitrogen into a chamber, which doubles as a bio-degradable coffin.
Named Sarco, it includes a panic button in case somebody changes their mind.
What is the mercy killing debate?
Euthanasia and dying is a controversial issue – 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 it's not the state's place to interfere if a person wants to die.
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 worsen care for the terminally ill and research into their illnesses.
Some also believe it goes against the job description of doctors and nurses and the oath they take to not harm patients – they also say it undermines the value of human life.
Others also worry about the possibility of someone potentially recovering, or changing their mind when it's already too late.
Some have even suggested it could lead to people feeling pressured into asking to die, as they don't 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.
What is Dignity in Dying?
The Campaign for Dignity in Dying believes the UK should have a law that allows dying people with six months or less to live the option to control their death.
Motor neurone disease sufferer Noel Conway tried to 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 Beatson decided 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 Rio she 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 and picked up the silver medal in the 400m T52 final.
Noel Conway’s case follows that brought by Tony Nicklinson, who suffered from paralysis after a stroke.
It differs in that he has a terminal illness and his legal team is setting out strict criteria and clear potential safeguards to protect the vulnerable from any abuse of the system.
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