Lives at risk
From Dr Mary Knowles Sir: Dr Michael Wilks (Letters, 30 October) rightly states, 'The legality of withdrawing artificial nutrition and hydration, and the definition of artificial nutrition and hydration as medical treatment rather than basic care, are established under common law.' But he then claims that the Mental Capacity Bill provides 'a set of robust safeguards' for incapacitated people. Far from safeguarding patients' lives, new decision-makers are brought in who can order their death, including donees of 'lasting power of attorney' who may be going to inherit their property. Stroke victims who need some time for rehabilitation would be the patients most likely to be dehydrated or starved to death.
Mary Knowles
First Do No Harm, Action group on euthanasia, London SW3
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