I recently worried many of my friends by posting a quote on my Facebook page with a note saying that I was interested in assisted dying. No sooner had I posted it than a fleet of ambulances arrived armed with Section papers and an invitation to spend some time in a quiet padded cell. It took a lot of time and energy to persuade them that I was not about to kill myself- or anyone else! (But it gave our neighbours something to talk about!)
I was surprised by the strength of reaction from my friends. I have never tried to kill myself nor, ever, seriously considered it. Thankfully, my life has always been rich enough for me to believe that living is better than dying. After seventy-four years I still hold to this view but can see circumstances where my view might change. (But not today!)
I was recently diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) a Parkinsonian illness which is terminal and can leave one in what sounds like a persistent vegetative state. Unable to do anything by or for oneself. An unenviable state. If one of my dogs ended up like this, it would be criminal not to have it put down. If I didn’t, I would expect a visit from the RSPCA and a prosecution for animal cruelty. Justifiably so. But as the law now stands in England, I am worth less care than my dog. If my illness leaves me totally dependent, nobody is allowed to help me die and end my suffering. The best outcome will be to catch an infection that, if untreated, will kill me. And I can only ask that my infection is left untreated and allowed to run its course. DNR – Do Not Resuscitate is the best “treatment” to hope for. What kind of “care” is that? Playing Russian roulette with an infection. And we call ourselves a civilised country.
I was disappointed when we voted against the Assisted Dying Bill. I thought better of us as a nation. My hope is that it will be put to the vote a second time and pass. Meanwhile, I shall continue to do my best to take each day as a new opportunity to Live- as fully and as well as possible. And if you die before me, put the kettle on and you can tell me what I’ve missed!
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