Suicide dilemma
Given the human condition and humankind's capacity for good and evil it is difficult to concede that democratic safeguards (Letters, 6 March) would ensure that there would be no "slippery slope" in any abuse of assisted suicide.
Initially, following the Abortion Act in 1967, cases were closely monitored so that abortion was only available in extreme circumstances. With the passage of time, it has become available on demand and sometimes for the most superficial reasons. It is not inconceivable that, in the fullness of time, legally assisted suicide could go the same way.
Human and democratic rights need to be scrupulously upheld and protected, but democratic safeguards did not prevent many of our democratically elected members of parliament abusing their claims for expenses.
There is always the danger that some unscrupulous people will exploit for their own ends what is intended as a compassionate measure.
REV J HARRISON HUDSON
Hamilton Avenue
Tayport