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The cost on all of us is too much and there are alternative ways to support people to live and die in a way that respects their rights and protects them from harm.
The European Court of Human Rights has found that Article 8 does cover the right to decide when and how to die. However, it has held that states have significant discretion in how this right is controlled – referred to as a wide “margin of appreciation”.
We would not allow an animal to suffer unduly and yet we allow people to die in agony. People should have the right to choose to end their life with dignity.”
Despite this, men account for the majority of suicide deaths worldwide and are significantly more likely to die by suicide4World Health Organization. (2025).
The European Court of Human Rights has held that the right to life does not encompass a right to decide when and how to die. However, Article 2 does not prevent a state introducing assisted dying as long as there are suitable safeguards against abuse.
Obese people are more likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19, and are more likely to die from COVID-19 than those with a Body Mass Index in the healthy range.