Should we be allowed to end our own lives?
“While sympathetic with the wishes of people in great pain, it is vital to protect those who would be, or feel, pressured to end their life for the convenience of others. Until a guaranteed protection can be given to the frail and easily led, the law must remain unchanged.” – Neil Bone, St Andrews.
“The patient must know their own mind. It can’t be the word of a relative only.” – Margaret Brown, Rutherglen.
“If you have no quality of life what’s the point of prolonging it? My sister-in-law had motor neurone disease and went to Dignitas as she didn’t want the humiliation of having everything done for her.” – John Morrison, Wakefield.
“I think it is, but I would hate to think any terminally ill person would feel pressured by the attitudes of those around them.” – Alastair Bruce, Livingston.
“The problem will arise as to who is capable of making this decision and on whom the responsibility would fall if the wrong decision was made, as it surely will.” – Jacqueline Burton, Birgham.
“While I hope I never have to make that decision, it is the right of the individual to decide that they have had enough and wish to go.” – Ian McRae, Dundee.
“We do not permit animals to suffer. Why should humans have to?” – Dave Whyte, Kirkcaldy.
“No. Although they say there shall be safeguards in place these can be open to abuse.” – Bob Smith, Aberdeen.
“While there is a temptation to agree, I feel it could be a slippery slope once on it.” – David Foulis, Liverpool.
“The terminally ill know what suffering they’re undergoing. When they’ve had enough, it should be their choice.” – Bea Smith, Doncaster.
“Many religions are losing influence hand-over-fist and this is one of the last vestiges of power they have left. They will not give it up easily. What right has an organisation xxxxxdy. to tell someone they have to suffer?” – Tom Johnston, Ayrshire.
“We would not allow an animal to suffer what many people go through at the end of their lives. Are we any less entitled to end the suffering with dignity should we want it?” – Iain Willox, Cheltenham.
“If you’ve watched someone die in agony, you would vote for this in a heartbeat.” – Mary Campbell, Gosport.
“It’s not right to leave a human suffering. The lawmakers need to have some compassion and witness the suffering themselves. Maybe then the law would be changed.” – Dawn Nelson, Dunfermline.
“With the right safeguards put in place this has to be the way forward for those who want to escape the horrendous suffering they are presently forced to endure.” – Judi Martin, Maryculter.
“I strongly support euthanasia. Healthy people are able to end their death by suicide. Those who are terminally ill do not have that choice.” – Harry Stephenson, Kircubbin.
“Assistance should be allowed where there are terminal cases. People should not have to beg to be released from pain and suffering.” – Avril Simpson, Forfar.
“It is soul-destroying for everyone to see someone suffer and know you can’t ease their pain.” – Liz Bell, Aberdeen.
– Clifford Chambers, Blackpool.