The South Gauteng High court is to make a ruling on a case of Advocate Robin Stransham-Ford's urgent application to get doctors to assist him in ending his life. The Advocate has been battling with prostate cancer* and feels it would be better if doctors can help him die with dignity without the doctors having to face criminal or even murder charges once they have assisted him in what he refers to as dieing with dignity.
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| Is there such a thing? |
At this moment, he is not even in hospital, he gets cared for by his child's mother. is constantly on medication to help his manage his pain, which in turn means that he is always sedated. This, according to him, has reduced his quality of life and the way he is seen as a man and a father. He wants his life to end while he is still respectable.
The opposition counsel feels that if the Advocate wants to take his life, it is his right. However, should do it himself in a way he sees fit instead of involving others in his decision. They further state that it is against the South African Constitution for a doctor to assist a patient end their life, therefore, argue that no doctor should be given such go ahead to assist the Advocate.
DignitySA feels that the state has not fulfilled its constitutional obligation to respect, protect and promote the advocate's fundamental human right.
My feelings on assisted taking of life is however with the state. Yes the advocate is in pain and he has been given a few weeks to live and I feel he should be allowed to take his life, should he wish to. But, why not find a way to do it himself without involving others? Is this not a selfish way? His family, will always have images and remember him as a person who chose to end his life.
What do you think?
by Queen Troll
*A cancer that only affects males and grows in the male reproductive system
