Suicide watch

Published on Friday 27 November 2009 21:39

Far from pious pussy-footing on the issue of assisted dying, as the Very Rev John Stewart Murray alleges (Letters, 26 November), the Church of Scotland strenuously argues that a focus only on the rights of the individual produces a conflict of rights, with the vulnerable in our society left open to the potential for abuse.

Easy talk of safeguards is not enough, nor is a debate which does not expose all of us to examination on the low priority we have, as a society, given to palliative care.

Evidence from the Netherlands suggests that once on the statute books, initial legislation leads quickly to further steps that should cause concern, and it is realistic to point this out now rather than too late. The grace of God should not be confused with the granting of the wishes of some to the detriment, potentially, of many.

REV IAN GALLOWAY

Church of Scotland

George Street, Edinburgh

As a retired GP and an elder in the Church of Scotland, I was disturbed by John Cameron's misrepresentation of some elements of the debate on assisted suicide (your report, 24 November).

"Living wills" involve decisions around the withdrawal of treatment and should not be confused with assisted suicide, where the intent is to end life prematurely.

Oregon does not represent an example of good practice. There is in that US state a lack of proper controls, with no supervision of the administration of the lethal dose.

I am particularly dismayed at the suggestion that assisted suicide should be introduced because we "clearly cannot afford" to provide good care to those nearing the end of their earthly lives.

W SINCLAIR SCOTT

Weavers Yards

Douglas, Lanark

Of all the physicians I have worked with, I know of none who would be willing to administer medication to end a life. They entered the medical profession to save life and improve its quality.

Who then is going to administer this lethal injection in Margo Macdonald's "brave new world"?

DR DONALD JOHN MACKAY

Robertson Way

Livingston, West Lothian