Is assisted dying wrong? Politicians in the UK are preparing to vote on a possible new law that could make it easier for the sickest people in society to end their lives.
A life and death choice this Friday
Is assisted dying wrong? Politicians in the UK are preparing to vote on a possible new law that could make it easier for the sickest people in society to end their lives.
Lawmakers in the UK are about to debate a new bill on assisted dyinghelping a person to end their life. A LabourBritain's main left-of-centre political party. MPMember of Parliament. There are 650 MPs representing people in different areas of the UK., Kim Leadbeater, has suggested the possible new law. She wants adults whose illnesses cannot be cured to avoid suffering before their deaths.
The case FOR assisted dying:
Shorten suffering. People can suffer horribly from serious and deadly illnesses. Letting them end their lives is an act of kindness.
Popular policy. The largest ever pollThe YouGov survey asked 1,107 British teachers about racism and the curriculum. on assisted dying in the UK shows that 75% of people support making it lawful, with just 14% against.
Safety first. Those who wish to end their life must be over 18, expected to die within six months, clear of mind and free from outside pressure. Two doctors must also agree with their decision.
The case AGAINST assisted dying:
Do no harm. Doctors train to save lives - not end them. It is a big mistake to change the relationship between doctors and patients.
Slippery slope. Critics worry that more and more people will demand the right to die. In some countries, people with mental healthThe part of your health that has to do with your mind, your thoughts and feelings. conditions can be assisted to die.
Rush job. Several MPs have argued that the bill is being rushed through parliamentAn assembly of representatives, usually of an entire nation, that makes laws. . They say MPs need more time to make sure the new law is safe.
Is assisted dying wrong?
Yes! Doctors are meant to save lives, not end them. If the new law passes, older or unwell people may feel pressured to end their lives so their families no longer have to care for them.
No! The possible new law is about making death easier and quicker, not ending lives. Most people agree that people should not be forced to live while they are in terrible pain.
Keywords
assisted dying - helping a person to end their life
Labour - Britain's main left-of-centre political party.
MP - Member of Parliament. There are 650 MPs representing people in different areas of the UK.
Poll - The YouGov survey asked 1,107 British teachers about racism and the curriculum.
Mental health - The part of your health that has to do with your mind, your thoughts and feelings.
parliament - An assembly of representatives, usually of an entire nation, that makes laws.
A life and death choice this Friday
Glossary
assisted dying - helping a person to end their life
Labour - Britain's main left-of-centre political party.
MP - Member of Parliament. There are 650 MPs representing people in different areas of the UK.
Poll - The YouGov survey asked 1,107 British teachers about racism and the curriculum.
Mental health - The part of your health that has to do with your mind, your thoughts and feelings.
parliament - An assembly of representatives, usually of an entire nation, that makes laws.