The Laws

English Law

Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal under English law.

Assisted suicide is illegal under the terms of the Suicide Act (1961) and is punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment. Trying to kill yourself is not a criminal act.

Depending on the circumstances, euthanasia is regarded as either manslaughter or murder. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

The Netherlands Stance

regulated by the "Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act" which was passed in 2001[1] and took effect in 2002. It states that euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are not punishable if the attending physician acts in accordance with criteria of due care.[2] These criteria concern the patient's request, the patient's suffering (unbearable and hopeless), the information provided to the patient, the absence of reasonable alternatives, consultation of another physician and the applied method of ending life.[2] To demonstrate their compliance, the Act requires physicians to report euthanasia to a review committee.