As an Oregon resident, I first want to say that it's nice to see Dr. Crippen slamming my state from all the way across the Atlantic. Thanks. Second, I want to make sure it's clear (because it certainly was not from the article) that what we practice over here is physician-assisted suicide, not direct euthanasia. After a complex series of legal hurdles have been navigated -- including multiple verbal and written requests by the patient, witnesses, the certification that the patient is within six months of death from a terminal condition, etc -- a doctor may prescribe a lethal dose of medication to a patient. The doctor does not administer the medication, merely provides the means. The patient must be alert and oriented enough to self-administer the medication (pills, generally barbituates) -- this is not a case of shuffling granny off to her eternal reward with an overdose of IV morphine. We've had physician-assisted suicide over here since 1998. About 250 people have ended their lives with it. Since 2002, the yearly numbers have been stable -- about 60 people get prescriptions every year, and about 30 or 40 use them. The complication rate is low -- 3 in 2005. Anyway, my point is only this -- we have a carefully constructed system out here that works pretty well as an option for a small number of people each year. I'm not familiar with the NHS bill and obviously I'm not familiar with the NHS itself, but I would urge you to take a look at what Oregon has done and consider that this is not a black or white option. More info at: http://egov.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/pas/ Thanks for thought-provoking material as always... -- an Oregon EMT