Should the state support the 'right to die'?

Abstract

The paper examines the complex moral and legal dimensions to legalising euthanasia and physician assisted suicide (E/PAS). The legality of suicide and illegality of E/PAS is highlighted. The morality of E/PAS rests on a series of debates that are briefly examined. They are focused on three themes: autonomy, suffering and conscience. While apart from strong religious grounds there seems no reasonable grounds not to legalise E/PAS, the protection of conscience - particularly the right of a health care professional to conscientiously object to performing E/PAS - should be protected.