The terminally ill British man dies in Dignitas after a few “nightmare” days with a dubious trip
In a statement a week before his death in Switzerland, terminally ill David Peace from London commented on the UK’s “outdated law” on euthanasia
Image: family peace / dignity in dying)
At his request, a terminally ill British man was assisted to die on December 8th in Dignitas, Switzerland, after the Swiss Covid-19 quarantine regulations almost endangered his plans.
Former businessman David Peace, 72, from London, suffered from terminal motor neuron disease and had publicly called for a change to the UK’s euthanasia law in his final months.
The case of Mr Peace was raised in the House of Commons on the same day, December 8th, in an adjournment debate held by MP Rt.
Mr. Peace’s caregiver, who accompanied him and wanted to remain anonymous, had confirmed that Mr. Peace had died “quickly and peacefully” that morning at 11.20 am.
They added, “We were able to say goodbye and smile until the end.”
Despite this peaceful offense in a Explanation Mr Peace wrote the week before that he said his last days were fraught with panic and fear after the Swiss quarantine measures for British travelers were announced and reversed within a few days.
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Image:
The peace family / dignity in dying)
Mr. Peace said, “I have terminal motor neuron disease, a deadly disease for which there is no treatment or cure. It has robbed me of my ability to speak, swallow, balance, and walk … I just want the right to die on my own terms.
“My only option was to plan euthanasia at Dignitas in Switzerland, which I have done meticulously over the past few months … that gave me comfort and security … [despite] knowing that travel restrictions or bans could jeopardize my plans. “
An average of 50 British people travel to Switzerland every year for euthanasia. This is a process that can take months, costs an average of £ 10,000, requires physical strength for the trip and will be prosecuted for anyone accompanying or assisting it.
Mr. Peace continued: “With my last appointment for next week, the new Swiss quarantine rules for British visitors mean that my fears have come true. I can’t possibly isolate myself there for 10 days as needed – not only is there a lack of time before my appointment, the thought of spending my last days in an anonymous hotel room is ruthless.
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Image:
The peace family / dignity in dying)
“I had to use my last reserves of time and energy to obtain an exemption from the Swiss authorities … Fortunately, I was able to accelerate my application … The relief I feel cannot be emphasized enough.
“I am infinitely grateful, but unfortunately the close friends who I had hoped would also accompany me can no longer do so [even after quarantine rules were overturned].
“The emotional and logistical nightmare I have been through in the past few days would have been completely avoided under the euthanasia law, which would have allowed me to live peacefully and with dignity in my own home at a time of my choosing.
“The pandemic has certainly shown beyond any doubt that Dignitas is not a solution to our outdated law. We urgently need this opportunity here in this country. “
The Assisted Dying Bill, proposed by Baroness Meacher, Crossbench Peer and Chair of Dignity in Dying, was passed unanimously on October 22nd of this year in second reading in the House of Lords.
It would legalize euthanasia as an option for terminally ill, mentally competent adults in the last months of their lives alongside the existing options for end-of-life care.
Rep. Andrew Mitchell raised the case of Mr Peace in the House of Commons on December 8th in an adjournment debate.
Mr Mitchell said: “The already gruesome situation in which British citizens can only have the desired death if they travel to another country becomes even more unacceptable when even this most extraordinary option can be withdrawn at such short notice.
“That is not Switzerland’s fault – it is our own failure as a country to offer this option at home and prefer to outsource our compassion to another country.”
For obituaries in your area, visit Bestattungsnotizen.de
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