Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

malaise

(267,784 posts)
Wed May 2, 2018, 07:01 PM May 2018

What do DUers think about this?David Goodall: doctors threaten 104-year-old scientist's bid to end

his life
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/may/02/david-goodall-perth-doctors-threaten-104-year-old-scientists-bid-to-end-his-life
<snip>
Doctors in Perth are threatening to stop Australia’s oldest scientist flying to Switzerland to end his life through voluntary euthanasia.

Edith Cowan University honorary research associate David Goodall, 104, does not have a terminal illness but his quality of life has deteriorated.

Euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke said Goodall had attempted suicide about two months ago after suffering a fall, ended up in hospital and his daughter had to fight hard to get him out – only succeeding after arranging an independent psychiatric review.

“The doctors started to say ‘he’s talking about ending his life, there’s nothing much wrong with him, so therefore he’s a risk to himself’,” Nitschke said.

He said Goodall was keen to leave the country after the hospital experience.

“On the basis of that, he said ‘enough is enough – now’s the time to die’,” Nitschke said.
----------------------------
I think David Goodhall has the right to decide for himself.

17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
 

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)
3. Reasonable minds can differ
Wed May 2, 2018, 07:06 PM
May 2018

Provided adequate safeguards to ensure voluntary and informed decisions free of undue influence, and including the absence of any underlying treatable depression, sure.

defacto7

(13,485 posts)
8. When it's time, it's time.
Wed May 2, 2018, 07:26 PM
May 2018

And who would know better. I'm tired of people meddling in life decisions. He's 104. I'd say that's pretty close to the end anyway. Why not choose your own way out. If he was half that age their might be cause to make sure he knows what he's doing and has covered all personal and legal bases... but 104? That's already terminal. If he wishes to go.. let him.

 

smirkymonkey

(63,221 posts)
11. I agree. I am so tired of all these self-righteous "right-to-life" types thinking they know
Wed May 2, 2018, 07:46 PM
May 2018

what is best for everyone. The man is 104 and has lived a full life. I think he has earned the right to make his own decision about when his life should end. Even if he was younger, it still shouldn't be anyone else's business. Some people just know when they have had enough.

 

janterry

(4,429 posts)
9. Carolyn Heilbrun did this at age 77 with no medical
Wed May 2, 2018, 07:29 PM
May 2018

problems or apparent depression. She didn't want to be inconsequential and had planned this out for many years.

Her note simply said: The journey is over. Love to all

http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/people/n_9589/

lpbk2713

(42,696 posts)
10. I wouldn't want to be bound by some stranger's moral point of view.
Wed May 2, 2018, 07:35 PM
May 2018


This is the type of decision that should be left entirely up to the individual.

Afromania

(2,767 posts)
13. If a person wants to go let them go. The guy is 104 and has accomplished all the things
Wed May 2, 2018, 07:57 PM
May 2018

he set out to accomplish. I simply don't understand the folks wanting people to do this or that because of their beliefs.

BobTheSubgenius

(11,535 posts)
16. What decision is more fundamental, and personal, to a individual?
Wed May 2, 2018, 10:08 PM
May 2018

Who gets to tell a 104-year old man that he is wrong about his decision and his life is worth living, even if he doesn't think so?

The world seems to be moving towards this than away from it.

Hekate

(90,188 posts)
17. I hope Prof. Goodall enjoys the views in Switzerland to the last minute. Without further adieu.
Wed May 2, 2018, 10:09 PM
May 2018

(Yes, that is a pun.)

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»What do DUers think about...