ASSISTED SUICIDE – YET ANOTHER VIEW

The letter from the five palliative care doctors prove their hearts and moral compasses are in the right place (YOU Say, 7 March).

At least Carol de Swardt was in a position to make an informed decision (YOU, 30 November), but she had to go overseas to have her wishes carried out. Tens of thousands of debilitated stroke victims in South Africa are unable to make such decisions.

Why are there no legal options available to South Africans within our country? In other spheres, SA law has proved to be the leader on the continent and often worldwide.

The doctors’ complaint about YOU “advertising” an overseas option for something that’s not legal in SA is perplexing. There’s hardly likely to be a flood of people on the flights to Switzerland to end their lives! The medical profession in SA have a monopoly on options available to citizens. Then they don’t approve of a person who made an informed decision to escape their clutches.

Palliative care obviously didn’t suit Carol. And hospice didn’t appeal to her.

If Carol had killed herself, no article would have seen the light of day!

I kind of admire the strong personality of Carol de Swardt.

SUBURBAN PHILOSOPHER, EMAIL

While the letter sent to YOU by the doctors is very noble and caring, we need to look at the other side. Carol, as an adult, had the right to decide what she wanted to do. We all have that right.

Palliative care may seem an option. However, regardless of how excellent this care may be, there are longterm consequences. Consider that one may be confined to a bed, have to wear nappies and rely on others to carry out the most intimate of care. Some may find this totally degrading, especially if the body goes but the mind still works. We have the right to decide whether we want to exist in those circumstances.

As sensible and logical adults, we should be in a position where we can make those choices. Perhaps South Africa should follow the example of other countries and allow assisted dying.

GABI MARAIS, GILLITTS