Citation

Graham P, Hughes JC. Adv. Psychiatr. Treat. 2014; 20(4): 250-257.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Royal College of Psychiatrists)

DOI

10.1192/apt.bp.112.010744

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Should the law be changed to allow health professionals to assist mentally competent, terminally ill people to end their own lives? In this article Philip Graham (P.G.) puts the arguments in favour of such a change in the law and Julian Hughes (J.H.) opposes these arguments. J.H. then sets out why he believes such a law should not be passed and P.G., in turn, sets out counter-arguments. Before concluding comments, both P.G. and J.H. independently make brief closing statements supporting their own positions.

Language: en

Keywords

human; law; depression; assisted suicide; article; medicolegal aspect; religion; terminal care; palliative therapy; active euthanasia; terminally ill patient; mental capacity; public opinion; voluntary euthanasia; health care personnel; punishment; clinical decision making; patient autonomy; beneficence; assisted dying