Tony Nicklinson

I took my time before writing my thoughts on this and it's something I feel quite passionate about. Tony Nicklinson has been living with 'Locked-In Syndrome' for seven years following a massive stroke in 2005. Today, Tony took his case to the High Court to grant permission for his life to be ended by doctors without fear of prosecution. Sadly, he lost his case and was distraught at hearing the news. He is appealing the decision.
None of us can imagine what it must be like to suffer with Locked-In Syndrome. Although Tony has lost the use of his body, his mind is active and he is able to articulate his thoughts through a computer aided speech device.

This is a very difficult issue. Tony has no quality of life. He has made this very clear and is in the process of writing a book which he wants to complete. For me, I struggle with any situation where suffering is prolonged. Tony is suffering daily - he has told us this.
I am trained to prevent suicide, yet I do believe there are situations where life can be unbearable for some who suffer chronic illness with no hope of recovery. Every day is a struggle and the pain is constant. Many are house-bound and totally reliant on others to carry out tasks such as washing and eating. They have no dignity. Life is literally a living hell.
If a dog or cat falls ill or is in pain, we put them down. The same is true of horses where an injury as small as a paper cut can justify a vet's stun gun.
I strongly believe there are cases where the choice to end life should be granted. Tony wants to end his life, but he cannot do it himself. He needs help, and it is because of this that this option has been taken from him. He is forced to live in agony until an appeal can be raised. Surely this cannot be fair? There is of course Dignitas in Switzerland, but why should he have to travel hundreds of miles only to end his life on the edge of an industrial estate? He wants to die at home, and shouldn't this be his right? His basic human right?
I hear arguments that we will set a dangerous precedent if we allow people such as Tony to end their lives. I would counter this by saying that there should be strict guidelines in place which include input from more than one doctor or specialist, family members and where possible the individual concerned. Quite how this should be structured isn't for me to say, but we mustn't lose sight of the person concerned. There is a real danger that we forget that at the centre of this is an individual who is suffering. A human being of sound mind for whom life has no benefit. The law must be amended.