Chris

All I see here is the boomer generation once again agitating for what they want, when they want it. And, for once, I see legislators standing up for the benefit of wider society as being more important than the unfettered free choice of an individual.

Years ago when my wife phoned our GP surgery to make an appointment to confirm a pregnancy, the very first thing the secretary asked her over the phone was "do you want to keep it?". A small point I know, but it illustrates how, in the minds of some at least, something which is framed in legislation as a closely-controlled last resort has become just another lifestyle choice.

I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that legal assisted dying, regardless of the safeguards, would result in social pressure and a shift in attitudes amongst younger people towards the frail, elderly, bed-blocking members of our society who cost us all a fortune in medical bills and pensions.

The weight of social and legal pressure is firmly against suicide and that's as it should be. Some people undoubtedly suffer as they approach death. I have watched it happen at close quarters and it is tragic. It is, however, unavoidable if we wish to continue to exist as a society in which we have connection with and responsibility towards everyone else, even those whose names we never knew.