Dear Editor:

It is interesting in the Sept. 8 editorial, The Right to Die, that the euthanasia debate in Quebec takes precedence over the need for improved end-of-life care.

Fear of death, which appears to fuel the call for legalized euthanasia, would be lessened when easily accessible palliative care and pain relief is available to every person in Canada.

Palliative care addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the dying, allowing them to trust the decisions of the medical support team.

This is where improvements are needed, not in a debate on euthanasia or to change the present law.

Wendy Walji

North Vancouver