The choice must be the individual’s

Since that time the arguments have ‘rumbled’ on and has reached another level culminating in an Assisted Suicide Bill being debated in parliament on the day this edition of the Courier is issued. At this time it is an issue that divides a former Archbishop of Canterbury and the present Archbishop, who of course was previously the minister at a Southam church. As always both these men articulate arguments that have undoubted merit.

My position is broadly as it was 12 years ago and indeed as it was over 50 years ago, which is that there can and sadly often does, come a time when continuing to live would seem somewhat worse than dying. I am therefore in favour of the Bill being debated. It would seem to have most of the provisions to satisfy those that believe there is a risk that those otherwise unwilling to die could be coerced into doing so. I think the greatest potential weakness of the Bill is that if passed, it would only be for people with less than an expected six months to live.

The estimate of long levity is not easy for experienced health professionals to predict and the criteria would be best set with broader parameters taking in more factors, whilst still retaining the restraints necessary. The over riding condition has to be that of the individual, who I believe must make his or her wishes absolutely clear and modifiable at any time.

This ideally needs documenting in a living will, so that should it become necessary to implement the provisions of the will, this can be undertaken without fear or troubled conscience.

The only way my views have been marginally reshaped is in ensuring beyond any doubt that assisted suicide is required by the recipient. This slight change of emphasis came about because an elderly auntie of mine, beset with composite health problems, was in a diabetic coma in hospital and very clearly very distressed. Having listened previously to her stating that she didn’t fear death almost welcomed it but that she would rather not be there when it happened!

Seeing her so seriously troubled, even whilst unconscious, borrowing a modified phrase from Eliza Doolittle, ‘I could ‘ave done her in’ to save her more suffering. Three weeks later she was as recovered as she ever became and we both laughed at what I suggested were my thoughts at the time, bearing in mind that I thought she was quite willing and happy to die whilst in such a condition. There does seem that some change their minds late in the day. I do not expect to change my mind but would never wish to rule out the possibility for anyone doing so at anytime.

J H Pearce, Church Lane, Lighthorne