Should we have the right to choose death with dignity, peace and care? You sometimes hear someone exclaiming, “If my life ended at this moment, I’d die happy.” This usually happens just after they have experienced something that was important to them — meeting an adored celebrity, having an especially profound moment with a loved one, experiencing something they had long anticipated. The point, I think, is that they are so happy at that instant that they either can’t imagine being any happier — so what’s the point of trying? — or they want to carry that moment of euphoria into their death.
Urgent support
We support people facing the end of life and promote choice at that time; we don’t provide information about methods of ending life. For urgent support, Samaritans are on 116 123, free, day or night. Breathing Space is on 0800 83 85 87. For questions about your own care, your GP or palliative care team is the right first call.