VAD is not for the survivors

I have a lot of sympathy for Despene Sattler (The West, 3 July). As I see it, it is far harder to watch someone die than it it to be the person dying.

Of course my own terminal cancer is, so far, painless. I may yet change my mind.

Unfortunately Despene's experience has taught her nothing about euthanasia.

The key point is that "VAD" is for the terminally ill patient. If it were for the living then it would be "murder".

Despene writes that Howard Sattler had always been careful of his appearance. even to the end, he insisted on careful grooming. So how did he feel when so-called friends were too embarrassed to visit the physical hulk that he had become.

Perhaps he would rather be dead. Rather relax into a peaceful death. Allow aquaintances to remember him as he always wished to be seen.

His wife suffered through his death. Do you think he did not know this? do you think that he enjoyed knowing that his wife suffered more -- in a different way -- as he was dying and suffering.

And yet his widow sees it as a positive that Howard's passing was "peaceful" and natural. I'm sorry, but "peaceful" is highly unlikely.

Several pages on, the Premier displays even less understanding of death and VAD.

The Premier brags of the more than one hundred deliberate obtacles to a voluntary and peaceful death. What he means, is that the law does everything it possibly can to prevent euthanasia.

Peaceful? voluntary? individual choice? Not a bloody hope.

Not under the Premier's dictatorial definition of "voluntary".

Starting with the requirement for several doctors -- sworn to save lives -- having to agree to kill people. As if.

Bugger me, Premier. Do you really support VAD? If you do then I could -- and have -- written rules which would work. Which would allow euthanasia to be a choice. With protection against misuse. wIth no need for doctors to moonlight as murderers.

Or would you rather pat yourself on the back. Until the next election changes your claimed position.

If my cancer does lead me to want euthanasia, I hope I have the strength to die in screaming agony on the steps of Parliament house. Of course, that would be the same day that the Premier would be absent, proudly announcing another "efficiency cut" to hospital budgets.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
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The more things change, the more they stay insane ... per Ginger Meggs