Falconer’s well considered and limited bill is categorically only for the terminally ill, and would not legalise assisted suicide for everyone. The elderly and the disabled could sleep soundly; it is not the same as voluntary euthanasia, as you’d have to self-administer the medication. Nobody can tell you what your thoughts, feelings and wishes should be if you are terminally ill, but I think the choice of an early, dignified death is both humane and right.
Who are we to presume what others want? No-one gets out of here alive, as the great Jim Morrisson was fond of reminding us, but I do want to check out gently. Palliative care simply does not work for everyone.
We’ll have to wait and see whether the bill is passed. The latest survey conducted by the campaigning group Dignity in Dying shows that 80% of the public believe it should be, but the Lords can be funny buggers so who knows what they’ll decide? The fact that the debate is happening is progress, whatever the result.
Most of us want the end to be quick and painless after a great party, but can you have a good death if it’s slow and prolonged? As a medical student, one of my most inspirational patients was an elderly woman called Jean who wasn’t frightened at all about her terminal cancer. “It’s not a bad way to die,” she said. She didn’t want to die quickly, she wanted time to say goodbye, time to put her affairs in order, time to reflect on her life, and time to tell as many people as she could that death was the most natural thing in the world.
Jean’s catchphrase was: “The fear of cancer is worse than cancer”, and her refreshingly realistic view of death was bolstered by an excellent GP, a supportive family and some great palliative care. But even with the best palliative care, I would be delving into my black bag to die gently if I had, say, motor neurone disease. And if doctors have that choice, why shouldn’t everyone?
If you need further convincing of the merits of this bill, read Chris Woodhead’s extraordinary and utterly convincing column “Please Let Me Go”.
We all deserve more option in how we die
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