Aspirin after myocardial infarction

Dr Pollard fails to mention the element of euthanasia that death should be "gentle". "Withdrawal of treatment", "withholding of nourishment", and so on, may cause unnecessary distress before the inevitable death. A doctor would wish, and should have the right, to avoid this. Dr Pollard argues that "If euthanasia were to be legalized, it would be an exception to the more general principle that consent of the victim rarely is a defence to a criminal charge". This is a circular argument. If euthanasia were to be legalized, there would be no victim, no charge and no unlawful action. Paul Kaufmann, BA(Mons) 72 Waller Crescent Campbell, ACT 2601 I. Pollard BJ. Killing the dying not the easy way out. Med J Aust 1988; 149: 312-315.