It’s my choice to die says scientist, 104
A BRITISH-born scientist set to end his life in a Swiss suicide clinic spent his final day with his family yesterday.
David Goodall, 104, who once said he had regretted living to such an age, was joined by some of his grandchildren at botanical gardens in Basel.
He is expected to end his life by lethal injection at 10am today. Mr Goodall had not chosen a special meal but said he might listen to Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 in his final moments.
The botanist and ecologist, who was born in London, addressed a press conference yesterday. He said: “One should be free to choose the death, when death is at an appropriate time.
Decline
“My abilities have been in decline over the past year or two, my eyesight over the past six years. I no longer want to continue life. I’m happy to have the chance tomorrow to end it.”
He has lived in Australia since 1948 and hoped the publicity surrounding his decision would help change the law there, where assisted suicide is illegal.
He said: “I wouldn’t suggest that it’s available to everyone, and just going and buying it off the shelf.
“I think there are plenty of people who might misuse that. I would accept that it should be done by doctors’ prescription – but they should be free to prescribe.
“I don’t feel that anyone else’s choice is involved. It’s my own choice to end my life tomorrow.”
Grandson Duncan Goodall, 36, flew from Connecticut, US, to attend. He said: “My grandfather has approached this in a completely rational way and not let any emotion get in the way.”