''I want right to end my life through assisted death when my time comes''- Archbishop Desmond Tutu

South Africa: Archbishop emeritus of Cape Town Desmond Tutu has said he would like the option of ending his life through assisted dying as he called on politicians, lawmakers and religious leaders to take action on the issue.

 
The Nobel Peace laureate who turned 85 Friday, October 07 said;

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have spent my time working for dignity for the living. I have campaigned passionately for people in my country and the world over to have their God-given rights.

In an article published on the occasion of his 85th birthday on Friday, following several spells in hospital this year due to recurring infections, the anti-apartheid activist reiterated his support for assisted death..

“With my life closer to its end than its beginning, I wish to help give people dignity in dying,” he wrote in the Washington Post.

“Just as I have argued firmly for compassion and fairness in life, I believe that terminally ill people should be treated with the same compassion and fairness when it comes to their deaths,” he added.

“Dying people should have the right to choose how and when they leave Mother Earth. I believe that, alongside the wonderful palliative care that exists, their choices should include a dignified assisted death.”

Tutu who had been a had lifelong opposition of assisted suicide, changed his mind over two years ago but had remained equivocal on whether he personally would make such a decision.

“Today, I myself am even closer to the departures hall than arrivals, so to speak, and my thoughts turn to how I would like to be treated when the time comes. Now more than ever, I feel compelled to lend my voice to this cause” he said.

Tutu wrote that he believed in the sanctity of life but also that terminally ill people should not be forced to endure terrible pain and suffering but instead they should have control over the manner and timing of their death.

“I have prepared for my death and have made it clear that I do not wish to be kept alive at all costs. I hope I am treated with compassion and allowed to pass on to the next phase of life’s journey in the manner of my choice.”

In reference to laws in California and Canada that permit assisted dying for terminally ill people, he said;

“there are still many thousands of dying people across the world who are denied their right to die with dignity”.

“For those suffering unbearably and coming to the end of their lives, merely knowing that an assisted death is open to them can provide immeasurable comfort” he added.

In conclusion, he said;

“In refusing dying people the right to die with dignity, we fail to demonstrate the compassion that lies at the heart of Christian values. I pray that politicians, lawmakers and religious leaders have the courage to support the choices terminally ill citizens make in departing Mother Earth. The time to act is now.”