Author supports 'suicide' bill

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Sir Terry Pratchett speaks of his belief in the right for an individual to choose when to end their life.

Author Terry Pratchett is lending his support to a bill going through the House of Lords to legalise assisted suicide in England.

The Wiltshire-based fantasy writer has Alzheimer's Disease.

In 2006, retired doctor Anne Turner travelled with her family from Bath to Switzerland to end her life at an assisted suicide clinic in Zurich.

No-one faced prosecution over that action. Sir Terry, 61, said no "real law" would have been contravened.

He told BBC News: "I think it is possible that someone in possession of their faculties who has an incurable disease could actually request death rather than face an unpleasant endgame.

"It seems to me to contravene no real law."

The House of Lords are expected to vote on the amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill next week but even if they do opt for change, it could be next year before it becomes law.