Assisted suicide is legal in some countries, including Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands and the state of Oregon in the US.
The term – also known as assisted dying – refers to the patient taking the last step, whereas the term voluntary euthanasia describes someone else taking the step, for example giving a lethal injection.
In England and Wales, it is an offence to encourage or assist a suicide, with a penalty of up to 14 years in jail.
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