boy. She had a mastectomy and own mum or a loved one not even just as we thought she was getting knowing who you are. It was tearing
better she developed a brain tumour. my family and I apart. Everyday of her
She had the terrible experience of suffering was unbearable; I just wanted
Chemotherapy to try and shrink the to be able to help her in some way, but
tumour which made her very ill. I couldn’t, all I could do was watch.
Finally the day came when Sharron I have fought against the disease for the
died, it was kind of a relief. last 2 years and have had every possible
That may sound sick but it meant medical treatment. I am fully aware
an end to Sharron’s suffering and to of what future holds and have decided
her family that was the main thing. to refuse artificial ventilation, rather than
die by choking or suffocation, I want
Voluntary euthanasia to Sharron a doctor to help me die when I am no
could have shortened her pain longer able to communicate with my
and suffering. All that happened family and friends. I have discussed
was that her death was prolonged. this with my husband Brian of 25
Sharron wanted to die whilst years, who respects my decision.
she was still in control and could I want to have a quick death without
say goodbye to her little boy and suffering, at home surrounded by my
the rest of her family but so that I can say goodbye to them.
the law just ripped that . If I were physically able I could
away from her and she . take my own life. That’s not illegal.
died an undignified and . But because of the terrible nature of
painful death. Do you . my illness I cannot-to carry out my
want to see this happen . wish I need assistance. Should a to someone you care . doctor give me the assistance I need,
about. . she or he will be guilty of a crime that
The definition of . carries a lengthy prison sentence.
Voluntary is acting at . As the law stands it makes no sense.
ones own choice. “IN MEMORY OF A The law needs changing so that I,
Euthanasia means a COURAGEOUS & INSPIRING and people like me, can choose
good death. WOMAN- DIANE PRETTY” how and when we die and not be
forced to endure untold suffering for
Sharron certainly didn’t have no reason.”
this and when her little boy is old
enough to ask how his mummy How can you deny someone the right to die
died what do we tell him? when they have no quality of life and are
Another person who suffered was never going to recover? Keeping a
Diane Pretty. Do you remember terminally ill person alive and in pain
her case? She had been suffering seems cruel and inhumane to me.
from motor neurone disease which After Sharron died I wanted to find out
had left her with no quality of life. more, it wasn’t until then that I realised the
arguments involved. People against
She wrote these words before she died: voluntary euthanasia argue that it is
murder as you are killing someone, they
“I am only 43 years old. I desperately argue that elderly people may feel a
want a doctor to help me to die. burden to their family so opt for voluntary
Motor neurone disease has left euthanasia. They think that my mind as sharp as ever but terminally ill people may not be
it has gradually destroyed my in a fit state of mind to make the
muscles, making it hard for me decision and that it gives to communicate with my too much power to doctors. family. It has left me in a wheelchair Another argument against it is that the catheterised and fed through a tube. family may not agree with the decision
and suffer because of it, it also exposes
vulnerable people to pressure to end Families of a terminally ill loved one
their lives. Religious people argue that may disagree with their decision
it is playing God (he gave us life, only to opt for voluntary euthanasia
he should be able to take it away). but at the end of the day it is the
However it is our body we should be individual’s choice and some families
able to draw the line and it is not murder are suffering now because their loved
if it is at the patient’s request. ones are being kept alive in pain when
If it was made legal it would not be they just want to end it, at least if it was
forced upon anyone, it would just give legalised people would have a choice,
people a choice. So for religious wouldn’t you want the choice?
people who argue that it is playing Not only have I managed to name a
God and is not right they will not have solution to each problem but I can also
to have anything to do with it as the name some advantages of voluntary
choice is theirs. It should not affect euthanasia; these are further supporting
them. its legalisation. As well as giving people
I also understand the argument that the choice to die with a bit of dignity
making voluntary euthanasia legal which helps some people to accept death
could mean that people could get a little better, it allows hospital resources to
away with murder as they be used for those who can actually recover could just say this person rather than terminally ill patients who
wanted help to die, wish they could end their life. however if only doctors The money could be used for
were allowed to carry developing cures to something or for
out voluntary euthanasia in a buying new equipment to benefit others.
hospital this would not be able I don’t understand how a human can be
to happen. People who want to kept in agony but if a human allowed a pet
be helped to die could maybe take to suffer she or he would be prosecuted, so
their case to a specialist judge so we make the decision to put it to sleep, but
that it can be analysed and see if with a human not even the person
it is a good reason to end their life. themselves can make the decision to end
This way not just anyone can be their suffering. This is ludicrous to me.
helped to die, the case needs to It is a decision that cannot directly harm
severe, if there was any chance of anyone else so I think it should be up to the
complete recovery then their wish individual.
may be denied. These people were asked if they think
To prevent mistakes people above the euthanasia should be legalised and
age of 18 should state in writing what their reaction is to Diane’s ruling:
that if they become terminally ill ‘My dad is currently dying of cancer,
they wish or wish not to be helped if he asked me to help him die,
to die by a doctor, as then you are in I'd do it regardless of the law because
a fit state to make a decision as I love him, and nobody in the world
if you are very ill you may is better qualified than him to make an irrational decision know when to end it. The law is an
under the circumstances. ass in Mrs Pretty’s case, and my
If there were strict safeguards heart is with her.’
then no mistakes could be Matt, Manchester
made.
‘I believe that we should all have of prolonging life but if the pain
the right to die at a time of our own and suffering are that bad then what
choice. My father committed suicide is the point of prolonging a life of misery
when I was 12 because he was and pain when it is going to result
so ill. He felt he had no quality in death anyway?
of life and that he wanted dignity.
I'm 27 now, I miss my Dad immensely. I know that if the time ever comes
But I could never condemn him to where I get to a stage where I am
live a life of misery and pain in constant pain and suffering I want
which I quite clearly recollect.’ to be able to have medical help to end my life
Wendy, UK with a bit of dignity left or at least have the
choice…wouldn’t you?
People may argue that it should not
be legalised as it is wasting life
or going against the Hippocratic Oath
81% of the public think that a person who is suffering unbearably from a terminal illness should be allowed by law to receive medical help to die, if that is what he or she wants.
NOP public opinion poll 28 October 2002
An opinion poll by the Nursing Times found that 60% of nurses believed the law should be reformed. 40% said they had given painkillers to dying patients knowing it would hasten their deaths. A third said they personally wanted to be allowed to help assisted suicides.
If you support voluntary euthanasia, a dignified death, then go to my website www.justice.co.uk and register your opinion. As a country we WILL change the law and get justice for Diane Pretty and bring the pain and suffering of others to an end.
VES promotes greater patient choice at the end of life. They campaign for people with terminal illnesses to be allowed to ask for medical help to die at a time of their choosing, within proper legal safeguards.
VES receives many calls from people who are very ill and think they may want . If you want any help or information on voluntary euthanasia you can contact VES through their website www.ves.org.uk