Avid Coronation Street fans will have no doubt seen character Hayley Cropper battling terminal illness over the last couple of weeks but despite the storyline being a fictional account, it has also re-opened the debate on the right to die.
Bosses at the Manchester-based soap have said that as her illness progresses, viewers will see her decide she wants to take her own life.
Both sides of the right to die argument are to be explored by the soap, with husband Roy vehemently against her decision.
MM took to the streets to ask for your opinion:
Should the right to die be legalised?
| Option | Results |
| Yes | 90% |
| No | 10% |
Amanda Grandall, housewife, 56, Altrincham, said “If there is absolutely no hope and they are in pain and agony then yes. But they have to make the decision themselves.”
Gillian Smith, 56, Play Worker, Bury, said: “If they are in so much pain, I don’t understand why they would want to live. But if they are in a coma then no.”
Amy Roberts, 18, student from Moss Side said: “To an extent, it depends on the type of illness. If a person is suffering they should have the right to decide. “
Raine Robison, 20, student, Trafford said: “It should be legal. In Oregon it is legal there but it should be restricted to terminally ill patients who have no other options. You can’t put a restriction on other lives.”
Brett Simpson, 26, graphic designer, Didsbury, said: “It depends on the person, situation and their family. It should be private and depends on what the person would want.”
Charlie Dexter, 32, Sales Executive, from Bolton, said: “In certain circumstances. They do it for animals so why not to people.”
Donna Glover, 46, a residential care worker from Droslyden, said: “They should have the right to chose.”
Sarah Brown, 28, lecturer from Sports City, said: “It should be allowed with terminally illnesses like cancer. It’s their life. Animals get put down.”
Lucy Palfreyman, 37, teacher, Rochdale said: “It is a good idea. Why not? It is the persons choice. We need to be up to date like other European countries like Switzerland. The country should take a stand.”
Image courtesy of ITV via YouTube, with thanks.
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