Letter: Why must we die alone?

OPINION: How many more people must endure the added suffering of the unknown to their deaths? When will lawmakers listen to what people want?

We vote politicians into office not to do what they want but to implement what the community wants. If a law change were made allowing cases to be reviewed before action was needed, it would negate all the worries about the so- called "slippery slope".

Yes, good palliative care is available, but it doesn't always suit the clinical condition. Why should folk have to resort to suicide, alone, and before they are ready to die? Or die even more difficult deaths when the solution is in our hands, which could mean a peaceful end, surrounded by loved ones, at a time they choose?

We shouldn't talk about "playing God". We do this daily already by keeping people alive using medical technology.

Death should be a personal decision, backed by law, to protect everyone. I support Dr John Pollock and his family (July 21) in this most difficult of times and assure him that there are many people who applaud him for speaking out and wish we could help more - legally.

THERESE WILLIAMS

Te Horo

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