Should the terminally ill have the right to choose the time and manner of
their death?
Results from Poll of the Heaven and Earth Show(26/9/04), U.K :- Is it
morally right for society to sanction mercy killing?
Yes (75%)
No (25%)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/heavenandearth/end.shtml
A Private Member's Bill, sponsored by retired Human Rights lawyer Lord
Joffe, would allow doctors, under carefully controlled conditions, to help
terminally ill patients to die, if that is their wish.
The patient would have to declare their wish to two doctors, in the presence
of a witness; there would also be a cooling-off period, in case they changed
their mind.
But, even with all those safeguards, this legislation would open the door to
legalised assisted killing. Supporters of the bill argue that it would allow
terminally ill people to die with dignity, without criminalising those who
help them. But against that, many feel that it undermines the basic sanctity
of human life.
Also, given that sick and elderly people often feel themselves a burden
already, could this charter for euthanasia pile even more pressure on the
most vulnerable people in our society to make an early exit?
Ross Kelly and Alice Beer host a discussion on this week's show.
We want to hear your views:
Call: 08708 37 37 37
Text: 07797 800 880
Email: [log in to unmask]
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