Oz scientist, 104, finally rests in peace

Australian scientist David Goodall, 104, who lived a quiet life in the western city of Perth, took his life through assisted suicide in a Swiss clinic. He is one of the first Australians to take the procedure due to old age rather than terminal illness. He ended his life— on his terms.

In an interview he had said, “I am 104 years old so I haven’t got much time left anyway. … I might as well not have it (my health) getting worse and worse, making me unhappy as it goes.”

The noted ecologist and botanist, took his final breath to Beethoven’s song "Ode to Joy."

His death has brought to fore, the debate of voluntary euthanasia. Like most countries euthanasia is illegal in Australia. “I have been supporting voluntary euthanasia for many years and I’m sorry that I have to travel to Switzerland in order to execute it. I would prefer to be able to do it in this country,” Goodall said.

Nations like Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg and the Netherlands (along with some American states and the District of Columbia) permit euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Switzerland is the only country with centers that offer assisted-suicide services to foreigners.

On May 10, Spain took the first step toward potentially legalising euthanasia after lawmakers voted in favour of examining a bill on the issue.

■ Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg and the Netherlands (along with some American states and the District of Columbia) permit euthanasia or assisted suicide.

■ Switzerland is the only country with centers that offer assistedsuicide services to foreigners.