David Minns is 74 years old and lives in Suffolk. A few years ago, doctors diagnosed him with multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. It means that excess proteins are building up in his organs and shutting them down. Doctors have given him only months to live.
He tells Hannah Moore that he would like the right to decide for himself when his suffering has become too extreme and that he can choose the time that feels right for him to die. But as the law stands in England, assisted suicide or euthanasia is illegal.
As Nicola Davis explains, a conviction for assisting someone to die could result in a murder charge and a long prison sentence. But that does not mean it doesn’t happen. Instead, for those with means, there is an option to travel elsewhere in Europe such as Switzerland where laws are more permissive.
The debate has a long history and in parliament remains unresolved. Currently a bill seeking to change the law is being debated in the House of Lords, but with the government not in support, the prospects are uncertain.
Photograph: Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty Images
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