Should we be allowed to die on our own terms?

It was sad news this week that Tony Nicklinson, the man with locked-in syndrome who recently lost his High Court battle to end his life his own way, died after refusing treatment for pneumonia. It was sad because he wanted to end his life on his own terms and was refused permission to do that by the court; on the other hand, he did, in the end, die quickly with his family around him which is perhaps all any of us can ask for.

During his High Court case Mr Nicklinson sought assurance that it would not be unlawful for a doctor to assist him to die, which is contrary to the current law which prevents assisted suicide or euthanasia. While having the deepest sympathy for his predicament, and that of others in his situation, I have to agree with the judges in this matter.