Euthanasia and Assisted Dying

Difference between euthanasia and assisted dying

​Euthanasia = a healthcare professional actively ending a patient's life.

Assisted dying = a medication prescribed by the doctor enables the patient to self-administer life-ending medication

What happened

Euthanasia remains illegal in the UK, however a bill has recently been passed to propose that assisted dying should be made legal for patients within 6 months of dying. Campaigners argue that people with terminal illnesses should have the right to choose when and how they die, while opponents worry about the potential for abuse and the impact on vulnerable patients.

Analysis

This is a classic ethical debate and one you're likely to encounter in interviews. Think about:

• The balance between autonomy and the principle of non-maleficence (not causing harm).
• How doctors can provide compassionate care at the end of life without crossing legal or ethical boundaries.
• The potential impact on the doctor-patient relationship if assisted dying were legalised.
• How useful is the 6 month mark? Many patients within this time frame are not mentally aware of what is going on and so therefore is this new bill in the benefit of the patients or their family members?

This is an opportunity to show you can approach sensitive topics with empathy and an open mind.