When a pet is terminally ill, we take it to the Vet to have it "put to sleep". It is the final act of kindness that a loving pet owner can do for their animal. That animal will have no more pain, no more suffering, and will be at peace from all fear and indignity.

Sadly, for a human being, there is no such kindness. People are forcibly kept alive, often in the most tremendous pain, and almost always suffering indignities and embarrassments that make their last weeks on earth a living nightmare. But to end that suffering is deemed to be illegal in most so-called "civilised" societies - and anyone who tries to help their loved ones to a peaceful end, are liable to prosecution and even jail.

I have heard all the arguments before.......... euthanasia is wrong they say, only God has the right to end a human life, and if you open the door to legal euthanasia, you open the door to some kind of "social engineering", whereby those who are old and weak are automatically destroyed to make way for the younger and stronger.

But - sorry - I say that is total rubbish. When my own dear Mother died, her last months were a living hell. The pain-killers that the Doctors prescribed were not strong enough to kill the pain she suffered, and she had no control over her bodily functions. A once proud, dignified woman, she was reduced to having everything done for her my myself (then not much more than a child myself) and my Father. Later, he told me that she had begged him to put an end to her misery, but he had been "too scared". He feared that they would lock him up, and whilst he did not care for himself, he worried about what would happen to me, losing both parents at such a young age. And I'm sorry - in no way is that acceptable. if there is a God, He would not want human beings to suffer like that, when one simple injection or tablet could put an end to it.

If my Mother had been ill now, we would have taken her to Switzerland, - one of the few countries where euthanasia is legal. So many UK citizens go there now - to a beautiful, peaceful Hospital overlooking the mountains, where they can die at their own time, with dignity, surrounded by their loved ones, or alone if they prefer.

When my time comes, if I am diagnosed with a terminal illness like my Mother, I have agreed with my partner that I will go there, and he will do the same. To me, it is the only solution. It will be our choice, - so how can euthanasia be murder?

Learn more about this author, Rose Conrad.
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