Moral Maze - 03/02/2010

The author Sir Terry Pratchett is calling for euthanasia tribunals to give sufferers from incurable diseases the right to medical help to end their lives. His idea comes as two polls are published which show widespread support for assisted dying. A system that allowed people to get medical help to die would avoid the harrowing dilemma of either watching a loved one suffer, or face jail for helping them out of their misery. But is there moral cowardice at the heart of this debate? Is it more about fear of our own death, rather than a genuine compassion for others? Whose death is it anyway? Our witnesses are: Dr Kevin Yuill - senior lecturer in history and American Studies at the University of Sunderland. Currently working on a book on assisted suicide. Debbie Purdy - has MS and campaigns for assisted dying. Rev Dr Lee Rayfield, Anglican Bishop of Swindon - Used to teach medical and dential students and has a particular interest in questions of medical ethics. Andrew Norman Wilson - author and columnist.