Vox pop - Assisted Suicide

In October of this year a disabled ex rugby player named Dan James traveled to a clinic in Switzerland to be assisted in his suicide.

For helping their son to travel to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland, Mark and Julie James face questioning by the police. Their role in assisting their son with his plans can hold a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.

For many years the laws that govern society on assisted suicide have divided people. Times when suicide was frowned upon by society and by the church have gone. Many people and some churches are now sympathetic towards victims of suicides. Should the laws follow suit?

"When the laws were created many of these were by a government that was ruled by the church of England." Sian Kearley, 20 of Reading says. "These laws are simply outdated and should be changed."

This would be the main view seen by critics of the law, that it is simply outdated and should be changed to reflect societies values today. However, not everyone's opinions are the same on this matter.

Andrew Wharton, 24, Hampshire, believes that more help should have been given to Dan James. He say's: "If I lost my ability to do art I would be devastated, but I would find a way to help others who suffered my way and try to be creative in other mediums.

"However hard it was for his parents I believe that someone should be seen as responsible as it is a matter of life and death."

There was a time before where suicide in any realm was seen as a sin towards God by the church. In recent times this view has changed in some religions. Jehovah's Witnesses, for example, now take into account the person and their mental state at the time.

Lisa Honor, 54 a devout Jehovahs Witness, Explained: " I would be divided towards this type of assisted suicide due to suffering. If my son wished for death after a accident like Dan James I would try to help him of course but nut personally no matter how hard it was for me to lose my son i would feel to grant my son his final wish,

She continues " But my religious side would obviously not allow me to. Though I do feel that God would understand my predicament and forgive me." Lisa also believed that the charges against Dan's mother and father were: " absolutely terrible. His parents loved him so much to do that for him. They must be having a hard time right now and should be given support not put into court to answer for their actions."

Sian added, "I believe that the laws really should change. I believe that if you're of sound mind then you should be allowed to choose whether to live or die."

Ian Mccreery