Letters to Community Care 29 January 2009

[Socialite]

Don't damn parents of Daniel James Jane Campbell is quoted as saying that, by not prosecuting Daniel James's parents "it sends out a dangerous signal" ("Time to lay down the law?"). How exactly? Here we have a severely disabled young man who made three attempts to kill himself and she believes his parents should be prosecuted because they helped him achieve his goal. Surely they should be lauded for their ability to help their son die, which is clearly what he wanted to do. Only somebody who's been in that position could understand how difficult this must have been for them. I fail to understand why anybody wants to prosecute people who assist those who are unable to commit suicide unaided. Is it not ironic that disabled people who often rightly complain about the lack of facilities and assistance to help them lead full and independent lives do not wish to have that help extended to those who wish to die but are unable to carry it out themselves? The message is clear:...

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