The Right to Die

A well-known British conductor and his terminally-ill wife recently ended their lives together at an assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland while holding hands and with their children by their sides (NYT article). This, of course, has stirred up a storm of controversy. Not only because of the usual dissenting opinions on assisted suicides, but also because the husband, although 84 and with failing eyesight and hearing, was not terminally-ill himself.

Personally I think there is a kind of beauty and dignity in being able to end your life together with your partner of over half a century in a calm environment with your family by your side.

I have never understood the reasons behind criminalizing assisted suicides. The vast majority of people (at any age) do not want to die, and in fact go to great lengths to prolong life. Those who would choose the route of assisted suicides don't arrive at that decision lightly and usually have very compelling reasons behind their decision. Why should our society seek to prolong their suffering and take away their option for a dignified exit from this mortal coil? It's time for us to decriminalize assisted suicides.