Sir Terry Pratchett defends 'Choosing to Die' - NME.com

June 14, 2011 12:11

Author stands up for documentary labelled 'pro-suicide propaganda'

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Sir Terry Pratchett has defended the BBC and their decision to air 'euthanasia documentary', Choosing to Die. The broadcast last night showed Pratchett following Peter Smedley – who suffers from motor neurone disease - to Switzerland.

There, with the help of the Dignitas organisation, Smedley was given a lethal injection of barbiturates.

The anti-euthanasia group Care Not Killing called the programme, "another blatant example of the BBC playing the role of cheerleader in the vigorous campaign being staged by the pro-euthanasia lobby to legalise assisted suicide in Britain."

Pratchett has become heavily involved in the 'right to choose' debate over euthanasia since being diagnosed with Alzheimers in December 2008.

Talking to Jeremy Paxman on the BBC's Newsnight programme Pratchett said, "I believe it should be possible for someone stricken with a serious and ultimately fatal illness to choose to die peacefully with medical help, rather than suffer."

Choosing to Die is available to watch on the BBC's iPlayer.

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