May I correct the wrong impression given by Maureen Stack who talks about "euthanasia" and raises the fear of "vulnerable" people being killed against their will or consent (Letters, May 13).

In fact Lord Joffe's bill allows only those who are in their right mind and who are terminally ill to ask to be given the means to die in their own time, which they would administer themselves - ie, assisted suicide.

There are strict conditions and more than 20 controls.

Having witnessed the frustration, anger and pain undergone by my brother, terminally ill and denied the opportunity to die in the way he wished, I support the bill.

I also reject the arrogance of religious leaders in deciding what is good for those who do not necessarily follow their beliefs.

Nor do I find it acceptable that the House of Lords, an unelected body, has denied debate in the House of Commons on an issue which, every poll shows, a large majority of people in this country support. This is undemocratic and I can only hope Joan Ruddock MP will succeed in bringing the issue to the House of Commons so there can at least be a debate among elected representatives.

-Joyce Edmond-Smith, Brighton