I WAS horrified to read Donald Coverdale's comments on the actions of Ted and Nan Bedell, the elderly couple who had planned their joint suicide (Suicide pact, The Press, January 24).
He condemned the manual that they had consulted, and further stated that: "In this day and age, the ending of one's life because of a painful condition can hardly be justified"
It is not Mr Coverdale's remit to make such subjective comments. As the coroner his personal views are of no relevance to the inquest, the GP had already testified to the effect that Mrs Bedell was of sound mind and able to make her own decisions, and Donald Coverdale's remarks were both superfluous to the proceedings and, I would imagine, hurtful for the friends and family of Mr and Mrs Bedell, who were well aware of the couple's long-term plans to die together.
Mr Coverdale should remember that, in this country, suicide is not a crime; in this case, it appears to have been a personal choice which he would do well to respect.
Jill Boswell, Acomb Road, York.
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