An article in the today’s paper tells of a local woman who chose to end her life and had asked that her family publish a letter explaining her action. We’re told that she went to a favourite nature spot and took an overdose of barbiturates. Her husband stayed nearby, not allowed to comfort her during the last minutes lest he comit a crime. A courageous and compassionate act.
It occurs to me that ending one’s life is a fundamental right. For me, being born was not by choice, nor were the circumstances of what ensued: I had no say over family, socio-economics, nationality, race, gender, etc. Along the way, as was my right and responsibility, I made the best decisions possible, given my beliefs and motivations.
So — why not decide now (or later) when enough is enough? Do I have the right to decide when and how to die? The law already allows for it, but most people disapprove. To me, deciding to end life is an act of self-determination — akin to women’s ongoing fight to decide about their health, body, and sexual life; something Amnesty International considers “a basic human right.” Anyone should be free to decide and to act, regardless of any medical diagnosis, without stigma and repercussions*.
No, dear reader, this is not a cry for help. I merely wish to bring the topic out of the closet so that we might talk about it. Instead of waiting till I’m no longer able to decide or to act, it seems wise (and responsible) to discuss this while mind and body are still in good working order. I’d be interested in your view – not as an abstract debate, but as a conversation about living and dying.
* thus no “assisted suicide” or “euthanasia.” Image: selfie along the camino.
I admire Gillian Bennett. I believe that every person has the right to decide the time and place of his/her death. People like her are blazing the way for those who come after them.
Gillian Bennett’s eloquent letter and brave action, and the thoughtful TC article, give me much to think about. I’ve discussed some aspects with my family. I’ve filled out the province’s Advanced Directive forms that I hope will give them legal backing to fulfill my wish for no heroic measures. But that’s not enough… The plight of Gillian and others who wanted more direct say in when and how to end a life heading for years as an empty shell is a different matter. Existing laws here are not humane, for the person or for their families. Change is needed, carefully thought through, giving us more control over our own deaths, while safeguarding us when vulnerable. Thanks, Daishin, for raising a difficult topic.
from Nicole, RN. “Great post! I think many of us wonder the same thing!
Discussion of assisted suicide is growing. Awareness of the issue is that first step.