What is the UK law on Euthanasia?
First you need to get your terminology correct. Euthanasia – a mercy killing to alleviate suffering. Does not need the consent of the subject. Assisted suicide – exactly what it says on the tin. Suicide is the personal choice of the subject, and assisting is to help them do it, perhaps because they do not have the physical capability to do it themselves (could include something like handing someone an overdose to take themselves). Euthanasia and assisted suicide are both absolutely illegal in England and Wales. Anyone performing active euthanasia could be guilty of murder, and assisting a suicide can be manslaughter (to procure a suicide can be murder). But look at euthanasia more closely. Perhaps if you don’t do something to actively end the subject’s life, then it could be legal. This could be something simple like the withdrawal of medical treatment at a point where treatment has become futile.
