• Question: Do you believe in assisted suicde

    Asked by droulston088 to Chris, Emily, Martin, Natalie, Tamsin on 24 Mar 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Chris Cooper

      Chris Cooper answered on 24 Mar 2010:


      Good question. Really hard to answer in a quick fire text. I have thought about it a lot and am still unclear about my views.

      I pretty much think the current law is about right (not sure it needed the clarification). Make it illegal so that the public (us) can easily intervene and arrest someone where clear manipulation has occurred. But there is no point prosecuting the cases where there is clearly a serious, moral decision that has been taken. I believe our jury system is the best way to handle this. It provides the ultimate safeguard for abuse of the ill, whilst not prosecuting those who behave compassionately.

    • Photo: Natalie Stanford

      Natalie Stanford answered on 24 Mar 2010:


      hmm, that’s a big question. It’s difficult to answer too. I do believe in the principle that if someone is suffering and of sound mind enough to judge the pros and cons of their decision before making it then it is a decision they should be allowed to make. The problem is that if this was legal it would have to be heavily regulated because it is a situation that could become very open to abuse. What do you think?

    • Photo: Martin Coath

      Martin Coath answered on 24 Mar 2010:


      This is a tricky – but important question.

      I am still undecided. That is one of the great things you learn as a scientist – there is often no RIGHT answer if you base your opinion on facts and evidence.

      I look at the facts and the evidence and the opinions of people I trust and they seem to me to be incomplete and contadictory so I have to keep thinking about it.

      Until I am sure I would have to say No – except in very special cases but I don’t know what would qualify as a special case.

      Boring and serious answer I know, sorry – but it is a very serious question.

      What do you think – add a comment!

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