I refer to the report, "Muis says 'no' to euthanasia (The Straits Times, Nov 8).
I believe that there were good reasons behind Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan's broaching the subject of euthanasia last month.
We can sympathise with the pain and suffering the terminally- ill and their families go through, but the idea of euthanasia still sends a chill down the spine of many.
There are also diverse views on the subject.
Many local religious organisations and their leaders take the view that, regardless of situation and circumstance, one should not kill or authorise another to take away the life of a terminally- ill person.
One might wonder why some terminally-ill people are willing to undergo euthanasia.
Is it because they are worried that they cannot foot mounting, expensive medical bills? They could also be concerned that the longer they stay in hospital, the greater the burden on their family.
There is no quick fix for relieving their suffering.
However, the authorities, hospitals, health-care professionals and family members of such patients should continue giving moral support and the best care they can to the patient while he or she is alive.
Some suggest that people can make a decision on whether they wish to undergo euthanasia when they are physically and mentally healthy.
I oppose this. Death is natural and inevitable. We should fight to the end, regardless of whatever illness we might have.
