David Kennedy’s ‘Assisted Dying Comment’ (Letters, March) put me in mind of one of the best quality articles ever to appear in the pages of Life and Work, viz, Jackie Macadam’s conversation with the now deceased Baroness Mary Warnock, the distinguished moral philosopher (‘A Duty to Die?’, October 2008).

I advise everyone opposed to assisted dying to obtain a copy of Mary Warnock’s book (written in collaboration with cancer specialist and expert on medical law Elisabeth MacDonald) entitled ‘Easeful Death’ used copies of which can be googled for a few pounds. That book reveals, among other things, the possibility of a dreadful death for any one of us, even in this age of much improved palliative care. Examples are cited, for instance, of individuals who not only asked for an assisted death but, in the midst of their own unbearable physical and/or mental pain and suffering, actually begged for it.

In the final analysis though, the decision has to be a personal one but, for myself, I choose the compassionate (Christian) option of, if necessary, being helped to die with dignity regardless, I may say, of any so-called slippery slopes, one of which envisages avaricious relatives poised to receive a premature legacy. No matter. My death. My decision. End. The view, incidentally, of such prominent Christians as the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, and the late Archbishop of Capetown, Desmond Tutu. So I am in good company!

Alistair Jessamine (Rev) , retired, Strathaven