ETHICS EXPERT CALLS FOR DRUGS TO 'ENHANCE' DEATH

It might be termed the hallucinogenic way of death. Psychoactive drugs
such as "magic mushrooms" could be used to enhance the experience of
dying, according to an expert in medical ethics.

Robin Mackenzie, director of medical law and ethics at the University
of Kent, is to call today for people to be given more choice over how
they die at a workshop in London organised by Exit International, an
Australian organisation advocating voluntary euthanasia.

Studies are underway into the effect of drugs including ecstasy and
psilocybin in terminal cancer patients to ease the process of dying
and encourage closer family bonding in the final hours. But there is
widespread resistance to the use of psychedelic drugs.

Ms Mackenzie said: "We have the technology to enhance the experience
of dying. With neuroimaging [brain scans] we can measure the impact of
different practices, such as meditation or drugs, which would allow us
to orchestrate our dying, just as we choose the form of a funeral service."

Interest in ecstasy has centred on its "empathogenic" effects,
fostering a sense of well-being and warmth towards family and friends.
It and psilocybin are also being investigated for their effect on
anxiety in terminal conditions. A study at the University of Los
Angeles is due to complete in December and research is also ongoing in
Spain.

Today's planned workshop is due to be hosted by Philip Nitschke, the
Australian founder of Exit International, who has been nicknamed "Dr
Death" for his DIY suicide kit. A similar workshop was banned in
Bournemouth on Friday by the local authority.

Dr Mackenzie said: "My research into the demedicalisation of dying
suggests that there is a groundswell of people wanting to exercise
choices in dying beyond euthanasia and palliative care options.

"We are encouraged to manage our lives and managing our deaths could
be part of that. I can see good reasons why doctors don't want to be
involved. But that will increase the demand for self-help measures."