‘Nothing more important’ than upcoming debate

Well, I suppose it depends what each of us considers to be important. I can think of nothing more important than the subject of the forthcoming May debate.

I see that Deputy Dudley Owen was concerned about a lack of ‘community engagement’ and was wondering if people in any real numbers wanted to change the law. (Open Lines, 6 April) By now I assume she knows that the recent poll on Facebook showed over 80% were in favour of a law that would allow assisted dying. This percentage was also reflected in a recent Jeremy Vine show which aired the subject and the same percentage (more than 80%) voted in favour of a UK poll. Is anybody out there listening?

I personally have a horror of suffering at the end of my life which would be beyond endurance and I imagine everyone reading this will have their own horror pictures, as I have mine.

Palliative care cannot always offer a comfortable closure. A friend of mine died in agony because nothing gave him relief from his terrible pain. This could happen to any one of us but a new law giving us the freedom to choose how and when we die could provide enormous comfort to those facing a terrible death or even worrying about that possibility.

I do not accept that the Church or anyone else who opposes assisted dying has the right to impose their will on those who wish to embrace it.

If we want to see ourselves as a civilised, compassionate society, working towards the highest possible good, then, instead of reiterating the same old divisive statement based on, what is for many, outdated belief systems, there needs to be a meeting place, where both sides, respectful of each other and with goodwill and intention, find answers acceptable to all.

Let it be done.

J. GARDINER,

Le Mahiel,

St Saviour’s, GY7 9UH.