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The VE Bulletin Excerpts
'No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself' Rudyard Kipling
Dignitas
Members may be interested in the work of the charitable association, Dignitas, supporting people to ‘live with dignity and die with dignity’. Formed in Zurich on 17th May 1998, it has over 1700 members, with 1000 living overseas. It allows those who are in unbearable suffering from incurable illness the possibility of a quick and peaceful death. There is a small fee to join the organisation, and people must pay for the doctor’s time and drugs, but no profit is derived from the service.
Dignitas is not forced into covert activity, as Switzerland has allowed physician-assisted suicide either at home or hospital since 1937. It was at that time that legislation was passed to allow assistance in dying, according to specified criteria, and as long as no financial reward was involved. Staff are medically trained volunteers who assist patients who are suffering mainly from cancer and motor neurone disease. The organisation has strict guidelines, and extensive checks are carried out after they have received the requisite letter from the patient’s own medical practitioner confirming the diagnosis and prognosis.
Once in Switzerland the patient completes a questionnaire and is interviewed by a consultant to ensure there is no outside coercion, and to allow for clarification of the procedure. Patients are advised that they may change their mind at any time. Dignitas also ensures that the patient has the mental competence to make the decision. Upon death police and external doctors monitor the practice to determine that Dignitas has complied with the law. Of course such transparency and accountability occurs only in jurisdictions which have legislation in place, such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Oregon USA.
Due to the fact that people have the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will be helped to die when their condition is unbearable, approximately 80% experience a ‘natural death’. SAVES has pointed out on many occasions that if people have the reassurance that comes from knowing legislation is in place, many would live longer and happier lives. They would be freed from the fear and urgency that drive them into premature suicide while still physically able, alone, and fearful of failing. What is left of their lives can be devoted to living, instead of planning their dying.
Dignitas was invited to make a submission to Britain’s House of Lords which is considering a private member’s bill, the Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill, introduced by Lord Joffe, and currently before a House of Lords Select Committee. This bill has been introduced to cover such tragic situations as the well-known case of Dianne Pretty. Ms Pretty who was suffering from motor neurone disease was forced to die the death she had feared. Being physically unable to take her own life, she had asked for legal exemption so that her husband could help her without prosecution and a lengthy imprisonment. This was denied her.
vLudwig Minelli, human rights lawyer and founder of Dignitas, has said he would prefer not to be put in the situation of needing to assist foreign nationals. However, until there is legal reform in other jurisdictions, the society cannot ignore the plight of the many people who will be forced to travel to Switzerland, searching for release from suffering through the freedom to die. SAVES has no affiliation with Dignitas, so any enquiries should be directed to:
Dignitas, Postfach 9, CH 8127, Forch Switzerland. (email: dignitas@dignitas.ch Website: www.dignitas.ch)
References:
(1) www.dignitas.ch
(2) Martin J ‘How the charity helps people to die’ The Guardian (London) Sep 2nd 2004,World News
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