Should assisted dying be legalised in Britain or would it be open to abuse?

AFTER six years in remission, my son Gavin had a recurrence of throat cancer. It was slowly strangling him, he was unable to eat or drink and his breathing was severely compromised. His condition was terminal in a few weeks. He decided to take his own life in a violent way, which will live in my memory and that of the rest of his family. Assisted dying would have given him the choice of an easeful death surrounded by his loved ones. IRENE RICHARDS,

Harston, Cambs. ACCOUNTS of terminal illness are heart-breaking, relatives’ experiences traumatic and advocates of ‘assisted dying’ sincere. But difficult cases make bad laws. As a GP, I believe Baroness Meacher’s Bill is unnecessary, misinformed and dangerous. She wants to prevent ‘intolerable suffering’ but her Bill doesn’t mention suffering. I’ve never seen a patient with intractable pain at the end. Professional organisations repeatedly re-assert their opposition to the legalisation of ‘assisted dying’ and the BMA does ‘not support . . . a change in the law’. Palliative care provision and family support are patchy and this is the true cause for preventable suffering. ‘Assisted dying’ would become the cost-effective alternative, diverting resources from palliative care. Public opinion is important, but misinformed, with a majority believing ‘assisted dying’ refers to hospice-type

care or the right to stop life-prolonging treatment. ‘Assisted dying’ isn’t peaceful, but can be accompanied by extreme gasping, spasms, vomiting, choking, confusion, panic, terror and aggression. Data about suicide of the terminally ill is poor and motivation may include untreated depression or physical symptoms or a fear of being a burden. When I tried to commit suicide, I was stopped by the police. Why should the terminally ill be helped instead? International experience shows that after crossing the Rubicon, the applicability of ‘assisted dying’ will be extended by the courts to include those not terminally ill, the mentally unwell and dementia patients. Furthermore, doctors can’t detect coercion or pressure to avoid being a financial, care or emotional burden. Scandal after scandal has shown the NHS, doctors and courts are fallible. Can they really be trusted to ensure the Bill will ‘benefit us all’? Britain should be proud we pioneered palliative care. We do not need ‘assisted dying’, but properly resourced and prioritised care for the dying.

Dr Matt DaViS, Birmingham. I HAVE never forgiven myself for letting Mum down. The only words she uttered over and over during her final days in hospital were: ‘Please, God, let me die.’ She was in her 90s and had enjoyed a wonderful life, but all I remember is the pain and anguish she suffered at the end — and for what? To give her breath for a few days longer. The words ‘at all cost’ are not in the Hippocratic Oath. I fear being hooked up to equipment in hospital to keep me going a bit longer. Knowing I could put an early end to this would give me peace of mind.

Jean MarCrOFt, Spital, Wirral. LAST year, after suffering from dementia for six years, my husband Ken was rushed to hospital with breathing problems. A doctor, whom I will for ever be grateful to, explained they could not make him better. The family agreed for his oxygen mask to be removed. A nurse gave an injection to ease Ken, his eyes became bright blue and he was smiling. Then he yawned, sighed and died peacefully. I would love to have that caring doctor when my time comes.

Diane SiMSOn, Canvey island, essex. IN THE excellent article by Caroline Scott (Good Health) on the way we treat the dying, the phrase ‘You wouldn’t treat a dog like that’ was used. A more accurate comment would be: ‘If you had treated a dog like that, you would be prosecuted.’

tOnY PriVett, Southampton. IN WHAT way does the Hippocratic Oath’s ‘First do no harm’ apply to keeping a person alive, but in pain? An early death is sometimes the kinder thing to do, but it will take the wisdom of Solomon and much courage to make the decision.

Peter FiSHer, Oakham, rutland.