Right to die

Margo MacDonald's proposals on assisted suicide have been kicked into the long grass by Holyrood (your report, 4 February) as being too controversial and the Catholic Church, predictably, has spoken against bringing in such a change in the law, so we may have to wait a long time before following Switzerland with such progressive attitudes.

The right to die is just as important as the right to live and many subscribe to the "living will" concept, giving next of kin the right to assist in death when they face the hopelessness that comes with many terminal conditions.

DENNIS GRATTAN

Mugiemoss Road

Aberdeen