The Right to Die Ushakova

Hello everyone!

I've chosen a very sorrowful story ( you can find it here  https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jan/06/terminally-ill-uk-man-launches-legal-challenge-for-right-to-die ) about a terminally ill man from the UK. 

Noel Conway was a retired lecturer, but two years before the article was written he had been diagnosed with motor neuron disease. Since that time his biggest fear was the fear of being "entombed" in his own body. So, the organization Dignity in Dying supported his intention to seek permission for a judicial review in the high court of the ban on assisted suicide with help of a law firm.  It was difficult to find this permission, as there is the Suicide Act 1961 that considers voluntary euthanasia murder under UK law. However, there was hope that claim formally against the Ministry of Justice will be heard. 

Noel said that he came to the last stage of his disease, and it was not clear when his death would come. The only thing that was clear to him is that he didn't want to suffer a lot. As he had already used a ventilator for breathing at night, Noel knew that he could just turn it off. But his death could bring him unbearable suffering which he wanted to avoid. Another option was a suicide clinic in Switzerland, but it was extremely expensive and far from his relatives. The only option that would satisfy Noel was a voluntary euthanasia.

However, despite overwhelming public support for assisted dying government of the UK ignored the pleas of terminally ill people. There were several attempts of changing the situation via the Supreme court, but all of them failed. Thus people were left face to face with unnecessary suffering without any chance to avoid it and to die with dignity. 

This story makes me think about some things. Do someone have the right to take away the right for death? Why there is no exception for terminally ill people in the Suicide Act? Are there many countries where it is allowed to apply euthanasia? These are the questions that I want to hear an answer for. 

Also, I found some words and collocations that may be useful:

-voluntary euthanasia - добровольная эвтаназия 

Voluntary euthanasia is forbidden in Russia.

-to diminish - принижать, умалять

The rules of the Black people were diminished in the 18th century in the USA.

-terminally ill - болен в терминальной(последней) стадии

He was terminally ill, so he couldn't even breathe by his own.

-prospect - перспектива

The prospect was thrilling. 

-to be entombed - быть погребенным 

The bodies of Pharaohs were entombed in the Pyramids. 

-overwhelming - огромный, сокрушительный

He got overwhelming public support.

-plea - просьба, призыв

The pleas of minority are usually not heard.

-Supreme court - Верховный суд

The case was dismissed by the Supreme court.

-condemn - осуждать

It is unpleasant to be condemned by society. 

-protracted pain - затяжная боль 

He was lucky to avoid protracted pain after operation

Hope, you get some new information and food for thought. Thank you for your attention!