

The Sunday Debate: Assisted Dying Should Be Legalised
Dec 5, 2021
A. C. Grayling, a prominent philosopher and author, joins neurosurgeon Henry Marsh, who shares his personal battle with cancer, novelist Anne Atkins, and palliative care expert Katherine Sleeman for a thought-provoking discussion. They explore the ethical complexities of legalizing assisted dying, emphasizing autonomy and dignity against the backdrop of potential societal implications. Personal narratives enhance the dialogue, as they tackle the balance between the right to die and protecting vulnerable individuals, questioning legal safeguards and the moral responsibilities of medical professionals.
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Decriminalizing Suicide and Implicit Rights
- Decriminalizing suicide in 1962 UK implicitly recognized autonomy, privacy, and a right to a minimum quality of life.
- These principles are crucial for human flourishing, even at life's end.
Need for Assisted Dying
- Legalizing assisted dying is important because some people cannot end their lives due to physical limitations.
- Failed suicide attempts can worsen a person's condition, necessitating assistance.
Henry Marsh's Personal Stake
- Henry Marsh, a neurosurgeon with advanced prostate cancer, fears ending up paralyzed and incontinent in institutional care.
- He's witnessed this outcome in his own patients and dreads it personally.