Reply to Shirley Williams

Shirley Williams Baroness of Crosby House of Lords London SW1A  9PW 16th October 2003 Dear Shirley Williams Thank you for replying to my letter about the Bills currently being considered by Parliament that I was concerned would usher in euthanasia.   I am very glad that you realise what pressures such practices would put onto patients, their carers and the medical professionals working with them. Your letter really made me focus on the current medical practices to withdraw and withhold sustenance that the Patient Protection Bill seeks to stop.  Although I appreciate your point about not wanting life prolonged unnecessarily I’m afraid that I very much hope that this bill becomes law because:- Doctors are not supposed to intend to cause a patient’s death yet that is what these practices allow them to do. Dying of starvation and thirst  is a long drawn out way to die that is full of suffering. Already vulnerable people are put into an even more vulnerable position. The fact that doctors are withdrawing sustenance from non dying patients puts many more groups within the remit of such ‘treatment’. I have two disabilities, neither of which will kill me but one, Multiple Sclerosis, is slowly rendering my muscles useless.  At present it has only moderately effected my legs and arms but I know that if and when it gets to my throat I may well not be able to swallow which will mean I will need food administered artificially.  It could also mean that communication would be very difficult too.  Both of these inabilities would put me within the range of the Withdrawing/Withholding Practices.  Under current guidelines doctors could also take into account a lifetime of coping with Cerebral Palsy and I suspect that I will be a prime candidate for my life being cut short.  Contrary to current media portrayal of disabled people, I don’t want my life to end prematurely just because it might be going to get more difficult.   I have made a lifetime’s study of copying with the difficult and know it simply isn’t necessary to give up or let others give up for you.  Everyone should be given the chances and the resources to make the most of every drop of life they are able to squeeze out.  Even severely disabled people and those who are seriously ill can contribute to and share in the lives of their family, friends and even society at large.  I know from practical experience. I enclose an essay that covers the issues in a little more detail. Thank you for your time Best wishes Gill Gerhardi