1. Euthanasia: the case of Daniel James 1985-2008

2. On Sept 12 th 2008 Daniel died by assisted suicide in a Swiss clinic

3. The context In March 2007 Daniel was paralysed from the chest down when a scrum collapsed during training for Nuneaton Rugby Club Daniel had represented England at U 16 level rugby He was studying at Loughborough University and listed his musical tastes as “Pete Doherty, Arctic Monkeys, Idlewild and Incubus”

4. Did Daniel do the right thing? The parents’ view "He couldn't walk, had no hand function, but constant pain in all of his fingers. "He was incontinent, suffered uncontrollable spasms in his legs and upper body and needed 24-hour care." Mrs James

5. The Physiotherapist’s view. “He was improving and, despite technically being a quadriplegic he still had the use of his arms and hands. He could feed and dress himself and was able to push himself around in his wheelchair. Most quadriplegics do improve over time; these improvements come perhaps two or three years after the accident. It was early days for Daniel."

6. The GP’s view “I am taking someone to die in December. If the police don't bother with me, who has has done this many times and is no relation of the people he helped die, they won't bother with relatives who don't plan on doing it again."

7. Matt Hampson’s view Matt is a quadraplegic ex rugby player injured whilst training with the U 21 England side in 2005 “Life is busy and a lot of fun. I have my own website and memorabilia company and I'm in the process of writing a book with sports writer Paul Kimmage. I have regular physiotherapy sessions which are a great help. Although physically I'm not an athlete, mentally I always will be, and I need to be pushed. I would say to others in my situation: keep strong and stay positive. Keep looking to the future and focus on what you can do rather than what you can't.”

8. Dignitas Statement We are a charity that believes every person has the human right to choose to die with dignity if they consider their life is no longer worthwhile.

9. Over to you……..! You will be given an Ethical viewpoint card. From the ethical standpoint on the card, construct an argument for the rightness or wrongness of a. Daniel’s actions and b. His parents’ actions in assisting him. Prepare for a discussion!