If someone is in unbearable pain, terminally ill or suffering an incurable condition, should they legally be provided assistance to die if they wish to do so?
The age-old controversy around assisted suicide or medically assisted dying is complex and multi-faceted. It raises questions about individual self-determination, the distinction between physical and psychological suffering, and the commitment of medical professionals to “do no harm”.
Access for cancer patients to medically assisted dying is also cause for debate, particularly in the case where life-saving treatment exists but is unavailable – as is the case in many low-and lower-middle income countries. Should the patient be allowed to die or left to suffer?
Samia Hurst, a physician, bioethicist and Director at the University of Geneva, helps explain the different views around the topic.
