It is a pity people do not understand the meaning of the word euthanasia.

Euthanasia is from the Greek meaning "easy death" - in other words, a death brought about without causing suffering.

The death of that unfortunate woman in the US was not euthanasia. In fact, it was a most cruel and barbaric death, brought about by starvation.

Some pedants may argue it was a "mercy killing" but still, it certainly was not euthanasia. No, as mercy killing is just another term for murder, this was murder, plain and simple.

When considering euthanasia, a highly complex set of moral and ethical problems confront us.

Not the least, the question, just what would be an easy death without suffering? No one is in a position to know the answer to that, of course.

Those people who are outraged at the starvation of humans in concentration camps or in Africa and elsewhere are the first to throw their arms in the air in disgust and horror.

But these are the same good folk who are willing to condone murder when it is authorised by a court and carried out by doctors.

The question of euthanasia is too difficult to be left to someone who has not received the required discipline in philosophy and ethics.

Five doctors do not and cannot possess the medical expertise to supervise a painless passing, no matter what the legal process is. There is no certainty that taking a life can be done without some degree of mental or physical suffering and discomfort.

I would prefer to depart this life without their iatrogenic assistance.

Good intentions are all very well but often pave the way to hell.

Hopefully, those in favour of how Schiavo was treated will not regret being helped from their mortal coils.

-Richard March, Hove