ETHICS OF SUICIDE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 33, 9 February 1931, Page 9

ETHICS OF SUICIDE

INCURABLE SUFFERERS

CLERGYMAN'S DECLARATION

LONDON, 7th February,

"The day has come when cane, humane men .realise that it is merciful in certain circumstances to permit suffering persona to end their lives without pain."

This outspoken declaration in th» face of the Church's antagonism ii made by Canon Peter Green, of Salford, in a new book on the problem ot right conduct. It asks outright if th« Church and. the State might not allow one under due safeguards and condition* to painlessly end his life when a malignant disease precludes a cure.

Interviewed to-day, the writer agreed that there was going to be au awful jrow regarding his statement, but his (views had been reached and written after they had been referred to scores of doctors and clergymen, nine oi whom disagreed. "When my mother was a girl, it was considered sinful to give an anaesthotie because it was believed that God sent pain and suffering,'?' he said. "That day is gone, yet scores whose fate is sealed are allowed to lingor in misery. Tho wife of one such said to me: 'If one kept a dog in as much pain as my. husband is suffering, one would bo prosecuted.' "

Canon Green adds that suicide ia such cases would allow men to scttlo their affairs, bid farewell to their friends, and receive' the last rites of the Church.