The killing of Uncle George
Sir: I regret, as you do (28 March), that the de- bate on euthanasia has itself met a prematurely early death. Unfortunately there are such barriers of prejudice that many people and even eminent newspapers refuse to examine fairly the issues involved. Your publication is an honour- able exception to this.
The case for voluntary euthanasia is very strong. Where the state, through its doctors, withholds the drugs helpful or even necessary for suicide, it has a moral duty to provide them where circumstances justify it.
May I attempt to answer some of your queries about the, proposed new system?
The matter of confidence in. one's doctor is two-edged. Many now lack confidence that their doctors will provide the dignity and freedom from suffering which they might request. Is the -whim of the individual doctor to decide the point at which life becomes valueless? Is the law to threaten those who respond to a patient's cry for release?
The most difficult problem is to prevent abuse of the system. There would be many safeguards, however, the chief being the voluntary nature of the suggested euthanasia and the obvious dedication of the medical profession. Neverthe- less one is forced to weigh the tragedy of the life possibly cut off (albeit gently) when it should not have been, against the many lives which we know are hideously prolonged beyond any hope of joy or satisfaction. Mary Cummips 67 Weald Lane, Harrow Weald, Harrow, Middx.
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