The compassionate case for a change in the law on assisted dying

sir – Many countries have now legalised assisted dying (report, March 13). It was recently decriminalised in Ecuador – a Catholic nation.

A report by the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee has taken evidence from around the world showing that the introduction of assisted dying does not damage palliative care, but in some cases improves it.

Michael Deacon (Features, March 14) talks of horror stories coming from Canada since it legalised assisted dying. Canadians are renowned for their compassion and good sense, so if these were true they would surely have repealed the new law. In fact, the evidence I have seen demonstrates the value of allowing terminally ill patients to die pain-free at a time of their choosing. It’s been described to me as making a loved one’s passing an even deeper sacrament.

We all hope for a good death for the sake of ourselves and our families. Mr Deacon should have the right to choose, if and when his life becomes unbearable. So should I. Dame Esther Rantzen

Lyndhurst, Hampshire

sir – Sir Keir Starmer favours a vote on assisted dying (report, March 13).

Before retiring as a podiatrist, I did some domiciliary work for the NHS. I was appalled to discover that people in their 60s would say things like: “I just don’t want to be a burden.”

It would be so easy to encourage this kind of thinking. Take care. Assisted dying is a slippery slope. Madeline Pavey

Ryhall, Rutland

sir – Who will benefit from Labour’s proposals for assisted dying?

The Treasury will benefit, since the elderly are usually net recipients of public funds; the NHS will benefit, since the absence of the elderly will reduce waiting lists and make it easier for the health service to meet its targets; and opponents of Judeochristian morality will benefit, because they will have won a victory. David J Critchley

Buckingham

sir – Michael Deacon fears that changing the law on assisted dying will be a cause of regret.

Regret for whom? For people in very great and constant pain with no prospect of recovery? For people who are desperate to end their misery but are denied the means to do so by others who believe their own agendas should take precedence?

Of course, any new law would need to be clearly defined and rigorously applied. Nothing less would do. John Colbert

Walsall, Staffordshire

sir – If there is to be any vote on this matter, it should be in a national referendum. Ken Hunter

Richmond, North Yorkshire