PAINLESSLY ENDING LIFE

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1931, Page 5

PAINLESSLY ENDING LIFE

VICTIMS OF INCURABLE DISEASE CLERGYMAN'S STRONG VIEWS. I By Teletrkph—Presi Assn.—Copyright. itec. 5.5 p.m. London, I 1 eb. 7. "The day has come when sane, humane men realise that it is merciful under certain circuinSthnces to permit suffering persons to end their lives without pain. This outspoken declaration in the face of the Church’s antagonism is made by Canon Peter Green, of Salford, in a new book on the problem Of right of conduct. . It asks outright if Church And State might not allow one under due safeguards and conditions to painlessly end life when a malignant disease precludes cure.. Interviewed to-day, he agreed that there going to be “an awful row” regarding his statement, but his vieWs had. been reached and written- after they had been spoken, by scores of doctors and clergy* men, none of whom disagreed. “When my mother Was a girl,” he said, “it was considered' sinful to give an anaesthetic because it was believed God sent pain and suffering.” That day was gone. Scores Whose fate was sealed were Allowed to linger in misery. "The wife of one such said to me, n I kept a dog-in as much pain and suffering fiiy hiisband would be prosecuted.’ ” Canon Green added that suicide in such eases would allow a man to settle his affaire, bid farewell to his friends and receive thfclaSt ( rites of the church.