Re Letters, June 27. First it takes J Malcolm more than four months to reply to my letter (Letters, February 5), then he distorts my letter. He claims my letter was "fraught with contradiction". Any contradiction is in the mind of the reader.
In the 1960/70s while employed by the New Zealand police, suicide was a tragic event and brought "disgrace on the affected family". Clearly if the victim succeeded in the act there was no charge or case, if they botched it once or twice they [would] normally be admitted into a mental institution for care and given ECG (electric shock treatment).
When I went to a suicide (and there were a few) I often wondered why a person did it ... Yes, some next of kin assisted a loved one and would be charged by the police for aiding and abetting in a suicide, they would normally put their hands up. The despair and grief of watching a loved one die slowly in pain must have been heartbreaking.
We deserve to give people with a terminal illness with weeks or months to live a choice to terminate their lives. A section of the NZ population may choose to believe in the Bible and that document, I don't have a problem with them. But I urge you to allow others to make their own choice on ending their lives as they let you follow your choices.
J Malcolm, don't throw up religious smoke screens like unborn babies and similar matters, you do yourself a disservice and hold yourself up for ridicule. The matter under discussion is called Death with Dignity for the Terminally ill. [Abridged]
BOB WALKER
St John's Hill
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
