It’s a complicated question, and one that has the ability to polarize opinion, but the fight to legalize euthanasia for terminally ill patients continues to gain ground in the UK. And with Sir Terry Pratchett revealing he is in favour of a tribunal system designed to determine whether individuals should be legally allowed to end their lives, it’s sure to be one making some waves again over the next few days.
Public opinion appears to be swaying towards a person’s right to choose, but opponents are quick to point out how open to abuse such a system could be. Pratchett’s voice brings his trademark wit to the argument, but the bestselling author – who was diagnosed with onset Alzheimer’s disease two years ago – will also volunteer to be a test case for a proposed tribunal system.
Since first reading my grandma’s copy of Equal Rites as a pre-teen, Pratchett has been a favourite novelist of mine. It’s always nice when you see people you admire continuing to fight for what they believe in.
Lynsey May 
Hi Lynsey, Yes just seen Sir Terry on the news talking this subject. I can see both sides . I think ultimately it must come down to every individual case and circumstance. perhaps each case should be applied for and accessed, rather than a general yes. This is a truely horrific illness and devestates all connected with it. It’s always positive when people like Pratchet come out and actively talk about it – it can only be beneficial. It reminds me of the Late Spike Millighan who suffered Bipolar all his life
have got so low that I have asked to be hospitalised and for deep narcosis (sleep). I cannot stand being awake. The pain is too much… Something has happened to me, this vital spark has stopped burning – I go to a dinner table now and I don’t say a word, just sit there like a dodo. Normally I am the centre of attention, keep the conversation going – so that is depressing in itself. It’s like another person taking over, very strange. The most important thing I say is ‘good evening’ and then I go quiet. (From Wikipedia0
He died of liver discease
I don’t know – how could I know? but it must be even more devestating for the sufferer to have flashes of awareness regarding of these illnesses?
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it’s impossible to know isn’t it? While I support the idea of assisted euthanasia, the idea it could be twisted and used against people who are helpless for whatever reason is terrifying.
On the other hand, if you are physically capable no one can stop you from killing yourself if you really want to and the legality of such an action is really by-the-by once you are already dead. Does that mean it’s another type of discrimination to make it impossible for people to have help to die if they can’t physically do it themselves?
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