An oncologist asked about euthanasia once in 15 years questions the 'voluntary' nature of legalised euthanasia, and challenges those who write off end of life suffering as simply a limitation of medicine
Around a dozen former healthcare professionals now sitting as MPs participated in the Marris Bill debate, with a number of speeches based on professional experience proving key
Senior Oregon doctor says that 'assisted suicide has been detrimental to patients, degraded the quality of medical care, and compromised the integrity of the medical profession'.
'The holistic nature of our care, the presence, the confidence to bear witness to all suffering is what underpins hospice care. To introduce 'death on demand' as an option seems to be a tragic and unnecessary development'
Dr Jeff Stephenson, Medical Director of St Luke's Hospice in Plymouth, describes the challenges palliative care might be facing in 20 years time - in a Britain where assisted suicide is legal.
82% of Association for Palliative Medicine members oppose a change in the law on assisted suicide, with 72% saying passage of a Falconer-type bill would have an adverse effect on the delivery of palliative care
The Royal College of Physicians rejects assisted suicide following a survey of all fellows and members, maintaining the healthcare profession's clear commitment not to give up on the patients
Depression is normally a reversible condition, but campaigners regard suicidal tendencies in people with chronic or terminal illnesses not as symptomatic of depression but as a rational will to die
