I've got to do a project at school on euthanasia. Would you mind answering the following?

1. Do you think that euthanasia should be legalised in Britain?

No

2. Do you agree with euthanasia?

No

3. 'Animals are put to sleep when they are suffering. We should do the same for humans' - do you agree?

No

4. Who do you think should have the decision of whether someone dies?

It's very difficult to choose when someone dies, so why not just offer support, care and even love?

5. If someone is surviving because of a life support machine, who do you think should decide when/whether the machine is turned off?

People are not always sure what constitutes 'life support'.  For example, Tony Bland, in the famous case, was not on a ventilator but could breathe on his own.

If a ventilator is helping someone breathe, it can be legitimately turned off when after some time there is no sign of independent breathing and the patient is very close to death.

Everyone should always be fed and given fluid, even through a tube.

6. Do you think that people should be allowed to make a living will?

Yes, but it should be ignored other than as an interesting snapshot of their opinion.  Please see www.donoharm.org.uk/alert/livwill.htm for our opinion of living wills.

7. Would you make a living will?

No, I like life too much to give anyone an excuse!

8. Do you think that a living will should be followed by doctors, even though it may go against the Hippocratic oath?

No

9. If a member of your family, or a close friend, wanted voluntary euthanasia, how would you feel?

Very sad, and I would offer them all the support and love I could to overcome whatever they were finding intolerable about life..

10. Would you be more likely to support them with their decision, or try to persuade them otherwise?

Persuade is the wrong word, help them and fight for them would be closer.