• Question: Do you think Euthanasia is right?

    Asked by yumseal to Chris, Emily, Martin, Natalie, Tamsin on 25 Mar 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Martin Coath

      Martin Coath answered on 25 Mar 2010:

      I have answered a similar question elsewhere and all the other scientists gave thoughtful responses. You should find:

      /helium-zone/2010/03/do-you-believe-in-assisted-suicde/

      in the list of questions already answered and read everyones answer to get a balanced view of this important subject!

    • Photo: Chris Cooper

      Chris Cooper answered on 25 Mar 2010:

      Good question.

      Some of us have had a go this before when answering the question: Do you believe in assisted suicide? Check it out for other views.

      By the way I think as a scientist my view is no more relevant or informed than anyone else’s on this matter!

      Still my answer was that I was broadly comfortable with the current law – which says it is illegal but rarely prosecutes. This seems compassionate whilst allowing safeguards so ill people do not feel under pressure to kill themselves.

      So 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.

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