Paul's brother Dave phoned on Tuesday evening and he mentioned that he was
going to write to his local politician about assisted dying. This is something
that I’ve thought about often since watching Paul suffer so much.
Yesterday morning I had to drive back to Busselton for the
third time in a week because I had left my post box key in the loan car. It
wasn’t what I wanted to be doing as it takes a big chunk out of the day but as
luck would have it I timed the trip just right to catch Andrew Denton at the
Press Club.
His speech was riveting and the coincidence with what Dave
and I had discussed the evening before made it extra special. Until 24th
August the speech can been seen on ABC iView.
I just had to listen again this morning, and then visit the
Facebook page for his campaign;
Denton started his speech with the call to action "Light a Fire", and this made me smile - was it another coincidence - that reference to fire? I had to post a quick note of support.
This is such an important issue for all humans. Even if you
cannot contemplate a time when you would wish to end your life that isn’t a
reason to stop another person from having that right.
Assisted dying is only
for those with terminal illnesses where there is no hope, no cure, no relief
until death. Having the right to choose your time can bring peace and comfort to
those struggling with the realities of slowly drowning from lungs filled with
mucus, unable to move limbs, unable to cry out for pain relief.
Compassion demands more than just pain relief.
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