We must have every sympathy for the distress and suffering of Tony Nicklinson but I have to say that the verdict of Lord Justice Toulson is right. The most important thing he says is that the consequences of granting Mr Nicklinson's desire to be euthanised by a GP goes 'far beyond' Mr Nicklinson. Despite the fact that Mr Nicklinson's request has been refused, this campaign already is having consequences far beyond Mr Nicklinson, since it gives groups like Dignity in Dying more media coverage. Already, that group, well known for its eugenic links and beliefs are taking advantage of the sad scenes of Mr Nicklinson's response to the judge's decision.
Mr Nicklinson's long suffering wife also maintains, 'Why should we have to go to Switzerland?' because its 'too expensive'. Yet, while I believe that going to Dignitas would be a terrible and morally wrong thing to do, if they are so determined, why are they not just fundraising to raise the money to do this? After all, if the couple had their desires granted, the British taxpayer would be paying the Government to become the killers of its own citizens. The laws that we have in place are there to protect the vulnerable. Voluntary euthanasia is how Nazi Germany began. What then emerged was a killing machine.
Care Not Killing rightly suggest that this latest decision should 'draw a line' under this campaign in general. It won't, of course, because the plight of various long-term sufferers of harrowing conditions and disabilities will continue to be presented to the public, in the media and especially by the powerful Dignity in Dying lobbying group who will keep knocking at the door until Dr Death opens up and let's Hitler in.
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