Topic: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Resources in this topic
The Principle of Autonomy – Does it Support the Legalisation of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide?
ABN Papers
February 5, 2026
Summary The principle of autonomy is often invoked in support of the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide. How one defines ‘autonomy’, however, is a matter of dispute. A number of important considerations arise as a result of this dispute, and it is important to ensure that ‘autonomy’ is defined in a way that works
Bioethics in Brief: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
Other Resources
April 16, 2022
What is the difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide? Euthanasia and assisted suicide both refer to the intentional ending of a patient’s life, typically at their request, where death is thought to be of benefit to the patient. The difference lies in who carries out the life-ending act. In the case of euthanasia, the lethal
Eight Reasons Why We Must Not Legalise ‘Assisted Dying’
ABN Papers
February 9, 2026
1) It overturns a fundamental principle of law and medicine ‘Assisted dying’ [1] is the intentional ending of the life of a patient by a doctor (‘euthanasia’) or a patient ending their own life with a lethal drug supplied by a doctor for this purpose (‘assisted suicide’). These practices violate the prohibition of intentional killing, which is
Defining the Terms of the Debate: Euthanasia and Euphemism
ABN Papers
February 11, 2026
Summary The debate concerning whether to legalise voluntary euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide is complicated by a variety of different terms, often developed euphemisms, for the realities under discussion. This leads to confusion, and requires clarification. Euthanasia is the ending of a patient’s life by their physician, but important distinctions remain between whether this voluntary, involuntary,
Suicide Prevention: Does Legalising Assisted Suicide Make Things Better Or Worse?
ABN Papers
February 11, 2026
Summary Promoting euthanasia or assisted suicide (EAS) seems to contradict the principle that ‘every suicide is a tragedy’. It has also been argued that the normalisation of EAS might encourage non-assisted suicide. On the other hand, others argue that legalisation of EAS could help prevent suicide. This is because there are people with terminal illnesses who die by
Evidence of Harm: Assessing the Impact of Assisted Dying / Assisted Suicide on Palliative Care
ABN Papers
February 11, 2026
Executive Summary i. The aim of this paper is to examine critically the evidence given in support of the conclusion in the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee 2024 Report on Assisted Dying / Assisted Suicide [AD / AS] that they ‘did not see any indications of palliative and end-of-life care deteriorating in quality
Wrong Side of the World: The Misplaced Reliance on Australia in the UK Debate on ‘Assisted Dying’
ABN Papers
February 11, 2026
Executive Summary Parliamentary Committees in Scotland and in England have been considering Bills that would legalise ‘assisted dying’ (meaning physician-assisted suicide). One striking feature of the conduct of these Committees is the heavily skewed evidence both have taken from pro-assisted suicide witnesses from Australia. This is problematic for a number of reasons: There is clear