Desmond Tutu called on politicians, lawmakers, and religious leaders to take action and help him along with many others to be afforded the option of ending their life through assisted dying. The emeritus archbishop of Cape Town has spent his last year in and out of the hospital with recurring infections. He argues that terminally ill individuals should be treated with the same compassion and fairness when choosing their death. Additionally, these terminally ill should be allowed to control the manner and timing of their death. Knowing that the option of assisted death is available can provide immeasurable comfort to the individual and their loved ones.
See Harriet Sherwood, Desmond Tutu: I Want Right to End My Life Through Assisted Dying, Guardian, October 7, 2016.
Special thanks to Joel Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.
