by Mary Cullen

The Reality of Assisted Dying: Understanding the Issues. Ed Julian C Hughes and Ilora G Finlay, Open University Press, 2024.

This newly published book should be read by all members of the Scottish and Westminster parliaments as they prepare to debate proposals to change the law on assisted dying, and by everyone on both sides of the argument. In 34 bite sized chapters, written by parliamentarians and specialists in medicine, ethics and law, it unpacks the issues MPs will need to consider if they are to legislate wisely. Assisted dying is not just a matter of individual rights or choices, they argue; it has profound implications for society. And we need a much deeper debate than we currently have in the media.

In the introduction, the book’s editors argue that if the philosophical foundation for assisted dying is personal autonomy, the cornerstone to its opposition is the fundamental prohibition of intentional killing. It highlights Lord Walton’s statement in the House of Lords in 1994, in which he acknowledged the painful experiences of many who are facing death, and the relevance of autonomy in connection with death and dying. He then stated:

‘Ultimately we concluded that such arguments are not sufficient reason to weaken society’s prohibition of intentional killing which is the cornerstone of law and social relationships. Individual cases cannot reasonably establish the foundation of a policy which would have such serious and widespread repercussions. The issue of euthanasia is one in which the interests of the individual cannot be separated from those of society as a whole’ (p.6).

Dr Mary Cullen is editor of Open House.