I SHOULD like to take issue with your correspondent Ian Donaldson (Letters, March 25). His argument is the slippery slope one: that is to say that medical advances, however superficially advantageous, may have hidden dangers. This is the sort of argument that was often used in the 19th century for advances we now take for granted, like anaesthetics, or in the 20th century, heart transplants.

Of course I am not saying that great care and sensitivity is not necessary in considering voluntary euthanasia, but what I do claim is that risks and dangers can be faced, understood and avoided.

The recent distressing case of Diane Pretty, who choked slowly to death while her doctors and husband stood by helplessly shows just how inappropriate the law is. She had suffered from degenerative motor neurone disease, knew what sort of death was likely for her and greatly feared it. She tried to get a legal ruling to allow her die in a manner and time of her own choosing, but the law would not allow it.

JOHN C NEWMAN

Bath Road

Swindon