...

://www.twitter.com/OxfordUnion Oxford Union Website @ http://www.oxford-union.org/ Richard Ottaway MP puts forward the question 'should terminally ill patients chose how they die?' He mentions Barbara Grainger, the 75 year old who, over 24 days, starved herself to death because she knew the motor neuron disease she had, would slowly kill her. She didn't have a choice. He says that the motion he only applies to the terminally ill and mentally competent adults and stresses the point that patients must be allowed to have a choice whether that is to continue palliative care or to receive euthanasia. Legalising euthanasia would give terminally ill patients the comfort of knowing there is a choice and to allow them to discuss their wishes freely with medical professionals. He says it is our responsibility to ensure people have the choice to die in a manner of their choosing with dignity and without unnecessary suffering. He concludes that in the face of death we must be compassionate enough to respect choice. Filmed on Thursday 18th October 2012 MOTION: THIS HOUSE WOULD LEGALISE ASSISTED DYING Speakers in Proposition: Professor Grayling Richard Ottaway MP Michael Irwin Speakers in opposition: Lord Alton Baroness Finlay Rober Preston RESULT: THE MOTION WAS CARRIED ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It has been established for 189 years, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.