Terminally ill must not feel a pressure to die

SIR – I welcome the doctors’ letter (August 24) which demonstrates the concerns that many people have about the Bill on assisted suicide, to be debated in the Commons on September 11. Their views mirror those that the Church of England has already aired, namely that a change in the law would put two groups at risk – those who would feel pressured to end their lives and those who would put pressure on themselves to do so.

The most effective safeguard against such pressure is to leave the law as it is. Terminally ill people are, by definition, vulnerable; they ought to be given love and support, not placed under a burden to consider ending their lives for the benefit of others.

Rt Rev James Newcome Bishop of Carlisle, lead bishop on health care for the Church of England London SW1

SIR – When my father was terminally ill with cancer, his doctor prescribed a sufficient dose of morphine to provide permanent relief. My mother sat with him until his breathing ceased. It was, she said, exceptionally peaceful.

That was 60 years ago and it was, I understand, not unusual.

Stuart Norman

Teignmouth, Devon