Assisted Suicide

The death of a person by their own hand is always a great sadness. It has wide repercussions and in the case of someone facing a disabling disease sends out a strong message to others that what life remains may not be worth living. It is but a short step from that to the view that they are no longer valued.

Those who live or work with the disabled know that if their needs are understood and met, they may continue to enjoy the love of their families and be deeply respected by those close to them.

The contrast between a woman walking into an anonymous building and dying shortly afterwards behind closed doors, that of the courageous, prayerful and inspirational death of pope John Paul II could hardly be greater. The first is cold and calculated. It does harm to society's attitude towards the disabled, but the other engendered an outbreak of respect and affection of historic proportions.

25/1/06

Tele 01905 352967