When pets grow old, or they have a terminal illness, or a horse breaks a leg they are put down ie humanely killed. This is standard practice and no-one blinks an eye except the owners who are understandably heart-broken, although they know that they have done the best thing possible for their animals. Human beings are denied the same treatment, even if they request it because their quality of life has deteriorated to such an extent that they long for the relief from suffering that death would bring.

Many people believe that this is right. The relatives of people suffering the effects of terminal illnesses are naturally distressed, because their loved ones could be in a great deal of pain; the possibility that they might make a decision that they would later regret is a very real one. Once done, this can never be undone. Whose decision is it, and do the courts have the right to decide who lives, and who dies?

• Would you want to be assisted to commit suicide if you were in this position?

• Do you think that life is so precious that no-one should be allowed to give it up?

• Would you be able to make this decision for someone on a life support machine, and is this any different to euthanasia?

• If you could make the law, how would you decide who should be allowed to die with assistance?

• Have you ever known anyone who has considered this?

Graphic supplied by Community Artist Amy the Ant