Voluntary euthanasia

The publicity around the Lecretia Seales voluntary euthanasia case is generating a timely discussion on the topic.

An important word is ‘‘voluntary’’. The scaremongers keep talking about euthanasia, deliberately omitting the ‘‘voluntary’’ in order to conjure up pictures of greedy relatives ending a life in order to get their hands on the money.

Voluntary euthanasia must be requested by the ill person, who must be of sound mind. A doctor cannot make the decision; the same applies to family members.

I have asked many people in the older age group for their thoughts on this matter. Every one has expressed a wish to have a choice. That is the important word, choice.

I hope our politicians are feeling the mood of the public on this important matter.

H. Robertson, St Heliers. Letters to the editor should be sent to: Box 32, Auckland. Fax number: (09) 373-6421 Email: letters@nzherald.co.nz Letters should not exceed 200 words and must carry the author’s signature, name and residential address. Emailed letters must include a full residential address and phone number, allowing a check on bona fides. Attachments will not be accepted. Noms de plume are not accepted; names are withheld only in special circumstances at the discretion of the editor. Letters are not normally acknowledged and may be edited, abridged or discarded.