From Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, House of Lords
Expert attention to detail, not therapeutic killing, should be society’s method of relieving suffering in those fearful of what the future holds (23 April, p 46). Morphine and other strong drugs against pain should be carefully titrated to meet the patient’s need. They then do not cause respiratory depression and death. Side effects of constipation and nausea are avoided by using adequate laxatives and anti-emetics, and over-sedation can be avoided with the newer synthetic opioids. Other drugs have dramatically decreased the pain of those who do not respond well to morphine.
London, UK
