BMJ 1995;310:1467 (3 June)

Letters

Euthanasia is an option which alleviates patients' fear

EDITOR,--I find myself at variance with Peter Millard's review of "Death on Request".1 Cees, the patient, was dying of a dreadful cruel disease which left his mind clear. He wanted to spend his last weeks at home. Under similar circumstances so would I. He feared the continuation of his life beyond the point where it became unbearable, and wanted the option of euthanasia at the time of his choosing and with the choice of changing his mind at any time. So would I. In fact, in many cases the option of euthansia has not been taken up, but it was an option which alleviated fear. In 29 years of general practice I was responsible, with excellent nurses and latterly with the help of the hospice movement, for providing terminal care: one of the most demanding aspects of general practice. In a few cases, but only a few, I would like . . . [Full text of this article]


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Relevant Article

Public deaths, private doubts..
Peter H Millard
BMJ 1995 310: 746-747. [Full Text]

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