We all have the right to live, isn’t it enshrined in the Constitution to a certain extent? But now, with the death of Terry Schiavo, I feel the debate will linger for many years to come. What about the right to die? Many other “civilised” nations have adopted this, allowing for euthanasia. If you’re not open-minded don’t read any further.

It is the Europeans which have led the way in this, many of them allow euthanasia of sorts. And why shouldn’t we have the right to die how we wish? It IS our life after all. Are we perhaps letting religious dogma dictate how we live, still? If you commit suicide you will burn in Hell forever, and all that jazz. What about soldiers who jump on grenades, or drive trucks into the enemy to save their comrades? Isn’t that suicide? In fact if we go that route - what about soldiers in general, who kill the enemy? Isn’t that murder?

It is a difficult subject to address, there can be no doubt. Religious people will definately agree that life is a gift from God and should not be taken lightly. But is it? Life is a union of two other lives, two cells that combine to create a new life. What did God have to do with that?

If we can all agree that life is precious, unique, and we all have self-determination, then that should also include the right to self-termination. No-one doubts that we have the right to procreation for example, so why deny the end of that life? How is it the business of anyone else, or indeed, any government?