Choosing to Die
I've never read any of Terry Pratchett's acclaimed 'Discworld' books.
But he brought a real sense of humanity to the debate on 'assisted dying' - with his BBC documentary during the week: 'Choosing to Die'.
The argument is very simple - a person of sound mind should be able to get help in ending their life - without those that assistt them in achieving this aim being turned into criminals.
In certain countries around the world - notably Switzerland - this practice is not a criminal act and there are proper safeguards in place to protect the vulnerable - as there should be, of course.
But ultimately it is about freedom of choice - in what are always very painful, personal and difficult circumstances.
To my mind no one should have the right to turn loving spouses, friends and family into criminals - yet that is what the law allows for at the moment.
The real disgrace is that people who wish to control how the lights finally go out - have to travel abroad to exercise that choice.
Not everyone believes in the sanctity of life - for some dignity in death is just as important.
And that was the simple yet powerful message behind 'Choosing to Die' - and the people involved in making the programme.
But he brought a real sense of humanity to the debate on 'assisted dying' - with his BBC documentary during the week: 'Choosing to Die'.
The argument is very simple - a person of sound mind should be able to get help in ending their life - without those that assistt them in achieving this aim being turned into criminals.
In certain countries around the world - notably Switzerland - this practice is not a criminal act and there are proper safeguards in place to protect the vulnerable - as there should be, of course.
But ultimately it is about freedom of choice - in what are always very painful, personal and difficult circumstances.
To my mind no one should have the right to turn loving spouses, friends and family into criminals - yet that is what the law allows for at the moment.
The real disgrace is that people who wish to control how the lights finally go out - have to travel abroad to exercise that choice.
Not everyone believes in the sanctity of life - for some dignity in death is just as important.
And that was the simple yet powerful message behind 'Choosing to Die' - and the people involved in making the programme.
