THE Health and Sport Committee report in to the Assisted Suicide (Scotland) Bill says that the Bill needs "significant amendment" ("Conscience' vote for MSPs on suicide Bill", The Herald, May 1).

I am not aware of any Bill, in Holyrood or Westminster, being perfect in its initial form, and fully accept that this may well need changes. However, I would urge our MSPs to support it through the initial Stage 1 so that this vital topic can be properly discussed in the Scottish Parliament.

Most Scots have indicated that they want a change in the law to allow assisted suicide, with safeguards. This issue is far too important to fall at the first stage.

Obviously it is disappointing that the "majority of the committee does not support the general principle of the Bill", but frankly this does not surprise me. Many MSPs believe wrongly that the status quo works well. It does not - it is not clear and gives no hope to those who are suffering intolerably at the end of their lives.

Most politicians are lagging behind public opinion on this subject. Much as we may hope, death will not go away. It is something we will all face and there is no sanctity in suffering.

A compassionate, caring society is judged by how it treats its sick and dying. Our legislators have a unique opportunity to make a real difference. They must not let this bill be kicked into the long grass.

Sheila Duffy,

Friends at The End,

3 Hamilton Drive,

Glasgow.