It is disappointing, says Savi Hensman, that so many people who are passionate about the assisted dying debate (whether for or against legalisation) do not seem nearly as concerned to tackle violations of dignity which can be prevented at present.

In a landmark ruling from the House of Lords, the final appeal court in the UK, a woman with multiple sclerosis has won her court battle to have the law on assisted dying clarified.

English fantasy novelist Terry Pratchett has said he believes it is ethical to allow people to be able to choose to have assisted death "when medicine cannot do any more". Others disagree.

A TV documentary showing Craig Ewert, a motor neuron disease sufferer, marked the first time footage of an assisted death - including the moment of death - has been broadcast in Britain. It has provoked an intense debate.