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The Lords, the law and assisted dying The Lords, the law and assisted dying
(2 months later)
Paul Chamberlain, who is suffering from motor neurone disease, makes a most valid point when he challenges those in parliament who oppose assisted dying to tell him that in person (Report, 10 July). As he states, he would explain to such parliamentarians that he wants to avoid a continuing and escalating process where he would lose totally all his faculties prior to death. It was disappointing that there was such opposition when the Commons last debated assisted dying on 27 March 2012. Of course, like others who want to see a change in the law, I understand some of the arguments put forward by opponents, who argue there could be dangers to the lives of disabled people who may be urged to take that route. However, it is interesting to note that in the few places abroad where assisted dying exists, and where tight safeguards are in place, it has simply not brought this about. If I thought there was any such danger, I certainly would not be arguing along these lines.Paul Chamberlain, who is suffering from motor neurone disease, makes a most valid point when he challenges those in parliament who oppose assisted dying to tell him that in person (Report, 10 July). As he states, he would explain to such parliamentarians that he wants to avoid a continuing and escalating process where he would lose totally all his faculties prior to death. It was disappointing that there was such opposition when the Commons last debated assisted dying on 27 March 2012. Of course, like others who want to see a change in the law, I understand some of the arguments put forward by opponents, who argue there could be dangers to the lives of disabled people who may be urged to take that route. However, it is interesting to note that in the few places abroad where assisted dying exists, and where tight safeguards are in place, it has simply not brought this about. If I thought there was any such danger, I certainly would not be arguing along these lines.
It is to be hoped therefore that when Lord Falconer's bill is debated in the Lords, there will be greater understanding and sympathy for those like Paul Chamberlain and others in his condition suffering from terminal illness, who urgently plead for the change being argued for.
David Winnick
Labour, Walsall North		It is to be hoped therefore that when Lord Falconer's bill is debated in the Lords, there will be greater understanding and sympathy for those like Paul Chamberlain and others in his condition suffering from terminal illness, who urgently plead for the change being argued for.
David Winnick
Labour, Walsall North
• At the end of the article you print the address of the Samaritans (an organisation I support and respect), but you have not included the contact details of either Compassion in Dying or Dignity in Dying – both of which would be more appropriate for people in Paul Chamberlain's and similar situations.
Rogelio Vallejo
Bristol		• At the end of the article you print the address of the Samaritans (an organisation I support and respect), but you have not included the contact details of either Compassion in Dying or Dignity in Dying – both of which would be more appropriate for people in Paul Chamberlain's and similar situations.
Rogelio Vallejo
Bristol
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