Nobody understands the attraction of assisted suicide like I do. In 2019, life as I knew it – a busy nurse and mum of four – stopped. Aged 39, I sustained a spinal cord injury and as a result I’m now confined to a wheelchair 24/7. I was forced to retire from the job that I loved. Many patients who register for assisted suicide say they feel they are a burden on their friends and family – and I know exactly what they mean. My husband and kids had to care for me as I once had them. I couldn’t bare it.
Life is different to before. But life is incredibly worthwhile
So I did what I thought was selfless. I put money aside for a trip to Dignitas – announcing my plans to my husband shortly after my 40th birthday.
I felt that I no longer had anything to offer to people. I was also unconvinced that a life full of physical suffering was going to be worthwhile.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in