Should euthanasia be legalized for patients with terminal illnesses?

Stance: Yes, euthanasia should be legalized (with safeguards).

Jurisdiction focus: UK (with comparative ECHR, Netherlands, Belgium, Canada). Word target: 750.

Definitions

• Euthanasia: intentional ending of a patient's life by a physician at their voluntary, informed request, in order to relieve unbearable suffering.
• Terminal illness: a condition certified by medical professionals as incurable and leading to death within a defined period.
• Legalized: recognised and regulated by law, not merely tolerated; carried out with safeguards (consent, medical oversight, review boards).
• Fair framing: This essay is about whether law should prioritise autonomy and relief of suffering or protection of life and prevention of abuse.

Assumptions Under Challenge

• That the sanctity of life is absolute and cannot be overridden by autonomy or quality of life.
• That legalising euthanasia inevitably leads to a slippery slope: from voluntary to involuntary, from terminal to non-terminal.
• That palliative care can always relieve suffering adequately.
• That vulnerable patients cannot consent freely due to coercion or despair.