Letters To The Times In Support of Melanie Phillips Op Ed “Assisted Dying is Just Another Name For Killing.” December 14th 2022
Times letters: Assisted dying inquiry and end-of-life care
Sir, Melanie Phillips eloquently condemns the use of weasel words in the debate around euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) (“Assisted dying is just another name for killing”, Dec 13). Discussions with patients about their wishes for their end-of-life care are usually complex. Doctors are aware of their enormous power to influence a patient’s decision, particularly when they are vulnerable and frightened.
In addition to the significant ethical objections to a doctor’s participation in intentionally ending a patient’s life, there are considerable practical objections to any change in the law. Personalised primary care is now rare, GPs are overworked and do not have the time to know or to explore the psychosocial background of patients. Face-to face-consultations with GPs and home visits are declining. The future relationship between palliative care provision and euthanasia is not clear. A vast majority of palliative care doctors do not wish to be involved in carrying out euthanasia or PAS, or in the assessment of a patient’s “eligibility” for these actions. Little is known about the impact of legalising euthanasia and PAS on medical student training, GP recruitment or on the mental health consequences on participating healthcare professionals.
It is to be hoped that the Commons health and social care committee will take account not only of the paradigm shift in medical ethics that would result from any change in the law prohibiting euthanasia and PAS, but also of the considerable practical risks to the provision of compassionate palliative care.
Dr David Jeffrey
Senior lecturer, Worcester University; former palliative care consultant
Sir, I have worked in care as a registered nurse/manager/care company owner for more than 40 years. Melanie Phillips is right: there is indeed a fine line between dying and killing. I have very rarely witnessed anyone actively looking forward to death, whatever they may have said in the past. I have, though, seen how good care, provided by skilled, compassionate people, turns a horrific situation into one of calm acceptance and, at times, a new joy in living.
Christina Sell
Managing director, Arbour Companions and Care
