Relational dignity and assisted dying for persons deprived of liberty
International Journal of Prisoner Health
ISSN: 1744-9200
Article publication date: 21 February 2022
Issue publication date: 10 May 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the eventual legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales should extend to persons deprived of liberty, as well.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a relational view of dignity strengthens the argument that the need to protect the dignity of persons deprived of liberty requires the extension of the legalisation of assisted dying to persons deprived of liberty once generally achieved in England and Wales.
Findings
Three aspects make dignity a relational concept – dignity being attributed by society, dignity working as a restraint on others and dignity requiring specific behaviours. All these elements support the claim that assisted dying should be available to persons deprived of liberty, once legalised in England and Wales.
Originality/value
Both the legalisation of assisted dying for persons deprived of liberty and the concept of relational dignity have to date found little attention. With a legalisation of assisted dying being debated in England and Wales, it is pertinent to discuss its application to persons deprived of liberty, who would undoubtedly not automatically benefit from a future Assisted Dying Act.
Keywords
Citation
Reichstein, A. (2023), "Relational dignity and assisted dying for persons deprived of liberty", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 230-240. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-07-2021-0067
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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