General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWhat 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 Australias 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 hes talking about ending his life, theres nothing much wrong with him, so therefore hes 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 nows the time to die, Nitschke said.
----------------------------
I think David Goodhall has the right to decide for himself.
mcar
(42,206 posts)hlthe2b
(101,698 posts)jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Provided adequate safeguards to ensure voluntary and informed decisions free of undue influence, and including the absence of any underlying treatable depression, sure.
Snackshack
(2,540 posts)He has every right to do what he wants to do.
MontanaMama
(23,238 posts)Yes. The man has a right to do what he wants to do.
FM123
(10,050 posts)NightWatcher
(39,343 posts)defacto7
(13,485 posts)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)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)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)This is the type of decision that should be left entirely up to the individual.
guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)Freedom to choose.
Afromania
(2,767 posts)he set out to accomplish. I simply don't understand the folks wanting people to do this or that because of their beliefs.
spooky3
(34,300 posts)Heartstrings
(7,349 posts)BobTheSubgenius
(11,535 posts)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)(Yes, that is a pun.)