Why assisted suicide has no place in the UK  If all patients had
access to high quality palliative care there would be no case
for assisted suicide, says Steve Field Sodium Pentobarbital,  a
drug which is used for assisted suicides Sodium Pentobarbital, a
drug which is used for assisted suicides. Photograph: Alessandro
Della Bella/AP  I do not believe that assisted suicide has a
place in the UK. My argument is not based on a religious belief
in the sanctity of life but on a strong belief in the ethical
basis of medicine, which is my vocation. Hippocrates stated in
his oath, "I will not administer poison to anyone where asked,"
and, "Be of benefit, or at least do no harm."  I believe that
those words are as true today as in ancient times. If we doctors
take on the additional role of taking life, while at the same
time treating the patient and protecting their life, it would
undermine our credibility, undermine the trust between the
patient and doctor and adversely affect the doctor-patient
relationship.  I und