Q&A: Jennifer Campbell, volunteer with Friends at the End, a Scottish group calling for a change in the law on assisted suicide

Published on Wednesday 31 December 2008 21:14

Jennifer Campbell is disappointed by Gordon Brown's remarks on the controversial issue.

What did you think about Gordon Brown's comments that legislation on assisted suicide would put pressure on people who felt they might be a burden on their family?

My first reaction was that I thought it was a very narrow-minded comment to come from someone as intelligent as the Prime Minister. It was very simplistic. He never alluded to the suffering of people who may find themselves in a position of considering assisted suicide. It was really very disappointing to hear him make these comments.

Do you think legislating to allow assisted suicide would make people feel under pressure to take such action because they fear they will become a burden for their carers?

This is not what those campaigning for assisted suicide want and I do not think people would feel they had to take their own life just because this option was open to them. It is much more complex than he has suggested.

I would fight as hard for the right of someone to stay alive as I would for my own right to have assisted suicide when my medical condition becomes intolerable to me.

What needs to happen next to take forward the assisted suicide debate?

I think we need to educate people so that they understand the debate properly. We do not want people to be affected by religious dogma. I think people's opinions will change as society develops and evolves.

When do you think we might see further moves towards legislation on assisted suicide?

I do not have a crystal ball. I can't even predict what is going to happen next week when it comes to assisted suicide, but it is clear that things are not moving fast enough. It is disappointing that Gordon Brown has made these simplistic and patronising comments as that holds us back.