Euthanasia and abuse

Sir, Lord Falconer of Thoroton’s amendment is not a simple clause to protect people’s rights (Opinion, June 3). If passed it would mean that the House of Lords accepts the principle of assisted suicide — a first step for those advocating wholesale legislative acceptance of euthanasia. It would not be long before demands are made to establish provisions in this country for patients to end their lives, saving them from travelling to Switzerland.

We need to direct our attention to improving palliative care. Moreover, I would point out that wherever euthanasia has been legalised, palliative care has diminished, as can be seen by the experience of the Netherlands and Oregon.

Claire Mullarkey

London W7

Sir, The intention of the present Coroners and Justice Bill (as well as existing legislation on assisted suicide) is to protect the vulnerable — the confused, the elderly, the chronically ill — from abuse, or from manipulation by carers, or those who are seen to benefit from their deaths. Lord Falconer’s amendment would totally undermine the law and would protect the very people most likely to become abusers.