A right to live

I was saddened to read that Lord Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have changed their minds and now support some form of euthanasia, apparently on the basis of limited evidence.

The main reason Lord Carey gives is that of compassion for those with unbearable suffering. He particularly quotes the case of the late Tony Nicklinson, who suffered from severe paralysis and wanted help to end his life.

When I saw the TV footage of Mr Nicklinson being transferred in a sling, I too felt compassion. However, as an MS patient who often dangles in a sling in order to have my personal care attended to, I also thank God for the medical and social services that are available to support life in such conditions and also for the compassion and commitment of the carers.