Abstract
This chapter draws on the previous contributions in this volume to consider five key proposed conceptual paradoxes and contradictions engaged by the prohibitions on assisted dying in England. These are as follows: (1) While it is lawful for a person to end their life, paradoxically, is it unlawful to be with them while they perform this lawful act, or to assist them in doing so. (2) While women can be lawfully assisted to exercise control over preventing and ending the new life of others through contraception and abortion, they (and men) cannot be lawfully assisted to exercise control over their own bodies’ endings. (3) While it is lawful and considered a ‘good’ to end the life of a suffering, dying animal, it is unlawful and considered ‘bad’ to help end the life of a suffering, dying human being who wants to die. (4) The law protects a person from cruel and inhumane treatment, apart from when they are dying. (5) The right to life is enshrined in law, but the right to death is not. Each is considered in turn with the aim of advocating for a regulated right to assisted dying, and for a right to die.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Regulating the End of Life |
| Subtitle of host publication | Death Rights |
| Editors | Sue Westwood |
| Place of Publication | UK |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
| Chapter | 14 |
| Pages | 219-236 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780429329739 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780367333539 |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Sept 2021 |