The Different Uses of the Right to Life in the Context of Dying with Assistance

In this talk, Dr. Nataly Papadopoulou examines the crucial role of the right to life protected in Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights (‘ECHR’) within the context of assisted dying. In identifying four different potential uses of Article 2 encompassing both negative and positive obligations, she includes an argument that the UK may be in violation of its positive obligations under the provision because of the unavailability of assisted dying.
Dr. Papadopoulou explores recent Strasbourg jurisprudence that highlights the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure that any option of assisted death is safe and strictly regulated, arguing that Article 2 has the potential to play a crucial role in ensuring that Member States find the right balance between choice and safety; in protecting both the lives of those who may be at risk by the availability of the option, while also allowing individuals to choose death over life.
EOLI wanted to include as many presenters of Scientific papers as possible to give a more rounded picture of the work and research being undertaken in the End of Life area. This is one of 9 papers presented at the conference, each of which had to be presented within 8 minutes with presenters continuing conversations with delegates afterwards. Anyone wishing to be connected with a presenter, please email [e-mail].
Our thanks to Dr. Brendan O'Shea , Kildare based GP and member of Irish Doctors Supporting MAiD (www.maid.ie) who facilitated these sessions on both days of the conference.