People just want a choice

Rosemary McLeod assumes that, at 80-90, we can all cope with our various infirmities and possibly subenjoyable living conditions (Don’t

box older people in, March 1). She refers to the ‘‘euthanasia cult’’ dominated by anxious women; is there any supporting evidence for this assertion? While common sense would suggest that some anxious people might be drawn to euthanasia, it seems more likely that people simply want a choice in how their lives end?

Rosemary also asserts that the suicidal person’s best interests are to live. Well, pardon me but I think only the person wanting euthanasia is in a position to decide what is in their best interest.

She refers to Annemarie Treadwell’s various ailments and her dissatisfaction with where she was living and implies all this could have been solved by discussion with friends, family, or her GP. Ever tried to discuss euthanasia with your GP? It’s illegal for them, at present, so they’re not likely to engage in a tolerant discussion of it.

Treadwell’s GP says she was coping well, but Treadwell’s diary says otherwise. Who are we to say her opinion is less valid than McLeod’s or the GP’s or family.

Euthanasia is surely a choice people should have the right to make, and the views of people who would not opt for this choice are of no relevance whatever. CAROL WORTHINGTON Stokes Valley [abridged]