End of life plans

I found Tessa Till’s letter (5 June) refreshing and fully agree that people need to consider their closing years and “take expert advice from someone who specialises in planning for later life”.

The intrinsic value of human life does not require those who have requested “easeful death” to be compelled to endure the end of life experiences detailed in the Ombudsman’s report.

The churches claim the drive to change the law comes from “a small group who want control over their deaths” but all changes in the law are initially driven by small, determined groups.

And if we are encouraged as adults by the government as well as the churches to take control of our lives, why must we be stripped of all responsibility for the manner of our passing?

As regards the “vulnerable”, to argue some must be compelled by law to suffer needlessly in order to protect others from pressure is fatuous and safeguards were written into recent bills.

In fact the Supreme Court observed that “these safeguards better protect vulnerable people than the current and discretionary investigation after someone has died”.

(Rev Dr) John 
Cameron

Howard Place

St Andrews