The right to die

15 years ago my sister was dying with terminal cancer and I agreed with her to assist her should it become necessary and I would have done so regardless of the consequences.

As it happened, I took her home for the weekend (from the Royal Marsden to her home) and returned with her on the Sunday night. That weekend she made lots of phone calls and completed her funeral preparation among other things. At this stage the doctors were predicting about 3 months. By the following Saturday they were saying 3 weeks and on Sunday evening my parents were called. She died on the Monday.

I don't think she 'gave up' I think she willed it that way and I think, along with many nurses (and I would think doctors too) that this is not unusual. I think that for many people there is a conflict in their will at this stage though and the fight for survival goes on sometimes long after the conscious mind has said NO!

I miss her terribly still BUT knowing what she was going through I wouldn't have had it any other way. AND if necessary I would have done what I had to do to allow her to die with dignity.

I totally agree there should be safeguards and I know that inevitably some will be coerced into agreeing BUT we don't ban cars because some people insist on driving whilst drunk and kill other 'healthy' people whilst doing so.

 

At least this country has moved on and suicide in itself is no longer a crime. That would be far, far worse!