A right to die
Published Date:
07 October 2008
Those of us who advocate change in the Suicide Act 1961 (Debate & Opinion, 3 October) are simply highlighting its injustice. We have no quarrel with those who prefer to "rage at the dying of the light" or with those who may be fortunate enough to have their "physical, emotional and spiritual needs properly addressed". We prefer to look at the issue as we experience it in reality.
Despite the huge advances in medicine, far too many people die dreadful, pathetic deaths, and the General Medical Council knows this. We are demanding that we are not included in these statistics.
Having experienced at close quarter three "undignified" deaths (gassing, hanging, poisoning), and witnessed as a student nurse countless degrading prolongation of lives in hospital wards, I have drawn up an "advance directive" trusting it will be carried out to the letter. But aware that large NHS hospitals today function at ward level by employing agency staff, I know my demise is in the hands of the gods. Meanwhile, the status quo is not an option.
GEORGE B ANDERSON
Elliothill Street
Dunfermline, Fife
The full article contains 185 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
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Last Updated:
06 October 2008 8:28 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
