Right to a better death

PALLIATIVE care experts claim Noel Conway — who has motor neurone disease and is campaigning for the right to die — can request that his breathing support is removed (Letters).

They say specialists can ‘ensure patients’ comfort’ during this process. Could I ask how comfortable they think this would be?

Those who travel to Dignitas are aware of the alternative where the end would be anything but comfortable. I’m sure I’m not alone in having visited someone dying of cancer, seen them in pain and asking the staff about medication, only to be told the next dose is due soon, but not now.

My sister died of motor neurone disease, unable to swallow anything, even water, as she would choke on it. We were told that all that could be done was to keep her lips moist.

Why was she even awake and aware at that final stage? Both these instances occurred in hospices. Though palliative care can work well, it isn’t always robust enough.

MOIRA ABE, Blandford, Dorset.