Sir Terry Pratchett calls for tribunals over euthanasia; charity opposes idea

Healthcare News
02/02/2010
The right to life or death has been raised by Sir Terry Pratchett.

Sir Terry Pratchett, the best-selling author who has a very rare form of Alzheimer's disease, has explained that he is prepared to be a test case for so-called "tribunals" for assisted suicide which could lead to people getting legal permission to end their lives.

The cult writer has called for a tribunal to be established to aid those with incurable diseases to end their lives peacefully and safely, with Sir Terry setting out his ideas in a Richard Dimbleby lecture at the Royal College of Physicians this week.

Yet while it understands Sir Terry's position, the Alzheimer's Society has asserted that it does not currently support a change in the law on assisted dying or euthanasia.

Andrew Ketteringham, the director of external affairs at the organisation, said: "Sir Terry is not alone in his desire to debate end of life choices but his view is a very personal one.

"It is essential that people with dementia and their carers have a voice where end of life decisions are concerned."

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