Euthenasia

End of life decisions are an emotional rollercoaster for those wrestling to make the right decision at a tumultuous time, conflicted by waves of hope and the compassion for dignity and empathy of one’s life. The guilt and stress that accompanies such an impossible decision is something more of us will be faced with as the population ages.

Generally speaking, there is some reluctance on the part of prosecutors in North America to pursue criminal charges against those involved in assisted suicide especially when a medical doctor is involved and it remains a private matter. When it is flaunted in public, however, there is little option but for the authorities to vigorously prefer charges. Think Dr. Jack Kevorkian, and even he was victorious and enjoyed fantastic public support. It is possibly the worst kept medical secret that doctors involved in end of life care have taken steps to ease suffering of their patients by withhold treatments, and thus hastening the evermore.

Germany’s Supreme Court has just paved the way for legal euthanasia provided certain criteria are met. Switzerland outright permits euthanasia and has unwittingly crafted its very own suicide tourism industry, whereby patients travel to Swiss clinics and hospitals to privately end their life with dignity under medical supervision. However, some countries in Europe (Italy and Spain among them) consider assisted suicide illegal, likely because of the influence the Vatican plays in their everyday life.

As the discussion surrounding assisted suicide lessens its taboo status, it opens a window of opportunity for us to create a dialogue where we can let those closest to us know of our final wishes. There are three vital actions you can take that will ease the burden on those you leave behind, and the earlier you accomplish these tasks, the more likely it will be that they will be honored.

First and foremost, get your affairs in order. Write a Last Will & Testament and a Living Will. The Living Will sets out your wishes should you find yourself in a position unable to make legal decisions. Not all jurisdictions recognize the validity of a Living Will, however, having one, at the very least, will be documentation of your actual wishes, thus avoiding the arguments that ensue in the event of your incapacity. Consult an attorney, especially if you have a complex estate and when minor children are involved.

Next, sign your donor cards. Human organs are desperately needed for research and for transplant. Your passing could provide life to someone who is suffering and facing death themselves. It really is the ultimate gift you can bestow.

And thirdly, discuss your wishes with your family and friends. Nothing is more tragic than those you love wrapped up in a bitter dispute over their interpretation of what you said twenty years ago, or if you would have wanted your suffering to end or of you would rather fight an uphill battle.

Watching a loved one erode and suffer before your very eyes is a gut wrenching experience. Putting your family and friends in the position of having to make life ending decisions is clearly not what you intended to happen, so do the right thing now so they can do the right thing later.

Originally published June 2010.