Response to Tutu’s Wish for Right to “Compassionate Assisted Dying”

Citizens around the world have reacted with compassion to Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s words, on his 85th birthday on Friday, that he is in support of assisted death and would like that option himself.

The South African living icon said: “I hope that when the time comes I am treated with compassion, and allowed to pass on to the next phase of life’s journey in the manner of my choice”.

Yesterday Tutu posted a link on Facebook to his full opinion piece in the Washington Post, along with a message, saying: “I welcome anyone who has the courage to say, as a Christian, that we should give dying people the right to leave this world with dignity.”

Most of the comments on the post are supportive, grateful and respectful from one who said “Bless you, dear Arch, for having the courage for backing such a controversial subject. Wonderfully, you don’t have the tiniest spot of hypocrisy in your whole being. Thank you!” to another who said “I would never be so presumptuous as to argue with the Arch.”

In a video presentation, supporting the UK and US death with dignity campaigns – Dignity in Dying (UK) and Compassion & Choices – the Arch said:

“Hello, dear sisters and brothers. As a Christian I believe in the sanctity of life, and that death is a part of life.

“I hope that when the time comes I am treated with compassion, and allowed to pass on to the next phase of life’s journey in the manner of my choice.

“My friend, Lord Carey [former archbishop of Canterbury], has passionately argued for an assisted dying law in the United Kingdom. His initiative has my blessing and support, as do similar initiatives in my home country, South Africa, in the United States, New Zealand and parts of the European Union, and right across the world.

“People who are terminally ill should have the option of dignified and compassionate assisted dying, alongside the wonderful palliative care that already exists.

“I pray that politicians, lawmakers and religious leaders have the courage to support the choices terminally ill citizens make in departing Mother Earth with dignity and love. God bless you.”

In Tutu’s piece in the Washington Post, he said his life is now closer to its end than its beginning and just as he has argued for compassion and fairness in life, he now feels compelled to lend his voice to the campaign for terminally ill people to be treated with the same compassion and fairness.

“Regardless of what you might choose for yourself, why should you deny others the right to make this choice? For those suffering unbearably and coming to the end of their lives, merely knowing that an assisted death is open to them can provide immeasurable comfort,” writes Tutu.

He first announced the reversal of his lifelong opposition to assisted dying in an article in the Guardian a couple of years ago. At the time, the Archbishop says, he remained ambiguous about whether he would opt for that choice himself.

Now he says: “I have prepared for my death and have made it clear that I do not wish to be kept alive at all costs.”

Watch Video: Archbishop Desmond Tutu Speaks about Medical Aid in Dying

News about Archbishop Tutu’s saying he wants ‘assisted death

https://youtu.be/bjVcvaZclAU