We should be able to choose a dignified death
WITH RESPECT, I found the letter from Ms Arkwright in Friday’s Press somewhat odd and not a little disturbing, as she explains in ‘sick and chilling’ (her words, not mine) detail some of the ways to actively neglect people who are/will suffer (‘Legalising euthanasia would put sick and elderly at great risk’, Open Lines, 19 January).
I do hope that my explanation of how I see things helps others to see through the mist a little.
On the very tricky subject of assisted dying, I would like to put forward my own thoughts. There are people out there who very properly voice concerns about the possible abuse of power towards the very vulnerable of our society.
Most of us make choices for ourselves our whole lives. They are choices about lifestyle/work/health/exercise/eating etc. and many people make those choices to gain the very best from their life to live it in the fullest way possible.
Then when they get sick the choices are reduced – they can choose a pathway for medication, how to proceed etc., but the choice that I believe they should have of how to end it in a dignified way for themselves is taken from them.
Why is that?
Maybe it’s about fear of the unknown, maybe also sometimes about religious and medical views too.
It seems to me there is a very simple solution to all of this, and, by simple, I do not in any way decry the seriousness of this subject.
A hypothetical scenario: I am diagnosed with a condition that will eventually render me relying on others for everything – eating, breathing, toileting, bathing and more – and along the way these things will slowly but surely creep up on me. And then eventually I will most likely have a drawn-out, unpleasant death.
The first thing I would do is go for a second opinion from a second doctor and with a respected member of the community, not a family member.
Next, on confirmation, I would visit an advocate – one I have no past with, approved by the government – again with a member of the community and not family or potential beneficiaries of what I might leave in my will.
I would draw up a living will (I have a suitable one I have used myself) detailing my wishes within a set of guidelines laid out by the government of course.
Those wishes would be logged and recorded and put into any notes that accompanied me wherever I was.
This subject has been under discussion for a long time and there are several places on this earth where it is available to local residents – oft times having the simple choice makes people feel more at ease and listened to – it does not appear to increase the numbers of people who seek to use their choice.
Of course we need to work on the fine detail, but first we need to talk about it in the open much more easily.
Death is going to come to us all and better we face it in an open and honest way and make plans rather than be frightened and hide the reality away for another day which maybe when it comes is too late to make provision.
SARAH GRIFFITH MBE,
Le Petit Menage, La Gibauderie,
St Peter Port, GY1 1XP.