Right to choose

No matter how cogent the ­arguments put forward for easing the lot of those who have reached a point in their lives where their suffering has become intolerable and who wish help to die with dignity, protest ensues (Letters, 18 November).

Those who would state “we” should suffer rather than seek a dignified end appear to overlook our human right to determine our own fate. Since patients can require “do not resuscitate” to be noted on their medical records, allowing them to fade away peacefully rather than suffering increasingly unpleasant and disruptive further treatments, there does not really seem to be too great a departure in enabling a terminal sufferer the means to make a similar choice.

Joe Darby

Cullicudden

Dingwall, Ross-shire