End of Life
I listened to a programme on Radio 5 earlier today - which told the story of a man (Tony) who suffered a stroke at a relatively young age.
The complications of Tony's stroke left him paralysed from the neck down - unable to speak, but able to communicate - fiercely and powerfully at times - through his family and carers.
Tony fought his 'locked in' condition for years - with the love and support of his wife and children - but he has finally come to the conclusion that he wants to be able to end his own life.
He no longer wishes to continue living - because of the poor quality of his life - which he believes will only get worse as time goes by.
Tony's problem is that he does not want to travel to Switzerland to end things - he wants to do so in his own home - with the help of his wife - and in a way that allows him to say goodbye to family and friends - on his own terms.
The programme was broadcast live from Tony's home - as listeners phoned in with their comments - some of which Tony responded to himself - in a calm, dignified and rationale manner completely devoid of self-pity.
Margo MacDonald is making the same plea in the Scottish Parliament - with her End of Life Assistance Bill - which aims to decriminalise a situation where people decide to end their lives - in controlled circumstances - with the aid of a spouse, family member or friend.
Recent opinion polls say that 80% of Scots agree with Margo - that people should be able to end their own lives, if they wish, with dignity and help - and at a time of their choosing.
I agree with that view and have contacted my own MSP - to say I think he should be supporting Margo's Bill in the Scottish Parliament.
The point is that people should be free to decide - for themselves.
Those who have moral or religious objections are welcome to their opinions - but that should not make it a crime for others to hold a different view - and make their own decisions.
So I hope that Tony and Margo get what they are asking for - because helping a loved one in such circumstances is clearly not a crime - and it's high time the law was changed.
The complications of Tony's stroke left him paralysed from the neck down - unable to speak, but able to communicate - fiercely and powerfully at times - through his family and carers.
Tony fought his 'locked in' condition for years - with the love and support of his wife and children - but he has finally come to the conclusion that he wants to be able to end his own life.
He no longer wishes to continue living - because of the poor quality of his life - which he believes will only get worse as time goes by.
Tony's problem is that he does not want to travel to Switzerland to end things - he wants to do so in his own home - with the help of his wife - and in a way that allows him to say goodbye to family and friends - on his own terms.
The programme was broadcast live from Tony's home - as listeners phoned in with their comments - some of which Tony responded to himself - in a calm, dignified and rationale manner completely devoid of self-pity.
Margo MacDonald is making the same plea in the Scottish Parliament - with her End of Life Assistance Bill - which aims to decriminalise a situation where people decide to end their lives - in controlled circumstances - with the aid of a spouse, family member or friend.
Recent opinion polls say that 80% of Scots agree with Margo - that people should be able to end their own lives, if they wish, with dignity and help - and at a time of their choosing.
I agree with that view and have contacted my own MSP - to say I think he should be supporting Margo's Bill in the Scottish Parliament.
The point is that people should be free to decide - for themselves.
Those who have moral or religious objections are welcome to their opinions - but that should not make it a crime for others to hold a different view - and make their own decisions.
So I hope that Tony and Margo get what they are asking for - because helping a loved one in such circumstances is clearly not a crime - and it's high time the law was changed.
