Assisted Dying: Definitions and Debates, with Dr Janet Holt | Leeds Humanists

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February 2nd, 2022 19:00   --   20:30

Should you be able to choose to end your own life?

How and if people can choose to end their lives is a subject that elicits strong emotions on both sides of the debate. In order to start addressing this question, Dr Janet Holt will clarify the definitions of some of the key terms involved. She will then look at some of the main arguments put forward in favour of the right to die, focusing on autonomy and choice, as well as addressing the arguments against. This talk will also lay out in more detail the current legal positions in the UK, and abroad, in order to help the audience better understand the context for Humanists UK's campaign in favour of legalisation.

About Dr Janet Holt

Dr Janet Holt is a registered nurse and midwife with a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Leeds, an MPhil in Applied Philosophy from the University of Manchester, and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Leeds. In her PhD thesis, Janet examined the attitudes of UK nurses to active assisted dying. Janet’s research interests and publications are within the disciplines of Healthcare Ethics and Nursing Philosophy. A founding member of the International Philosophy of Nursing Society (IPONS), Janet has also served as the society’s Secretary and Vice Chair. She is the Immediate Past Chair of IPONS, stepping down in 2018 after 13 years as Chair. As well as serving as a reviewer for a number of healthcare journals, Janet is a member of the Editorial Board for the journal Nursing Philosophy, and consultant editor for the journal Nursing Ethics.