Cleric supports assisted dying

ARCHBISHOP Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who turned 85 yesterday, has recorded a video saying he wants the option of assisted dying “when the time comes”.

His message endorses laws worldwide to authorise an end-of-life option.

“I have prepared for my death and have made it clear that I do not wish to be kept alive at all costs. I hope I am treated with compassion and allowed to pass on to the next phase of life’s journey in the manner of my choice,” he said in the video, posted yesterday at www. compassionandchoices.org/ desmond-tutu/

Two years ago he wrote an article in The Guardian announcing the reversal of his lifelong opposition to assisted dying as an option for terminally ill adults, to prevent end-of-life suffering.

But he was more ambiguous about whether he personally wanted the option: “I would say I wouldn’t mind,” he wrote at the time.

But in the video, his stance is clear.

Tutu, who has prostate cancer, said he wished to help give people dignity in dying.

“Why are so many instead forced to endure terrible pain and suffering against their wishes? Dying people should have the right to choose how and when they leave Mother Earth.”