I was more than surprised by the earlier letters published, condemning Dr Jonquiere's visit and his talk on euthanasia. I can only conclude that those opponents have never experienced the painful end that some people have to endure.
My father was diagnosed with lung cancer, he was given less thanthree months to live, but lasted some dreadful 18 months, at times in excruciating pain.
Later, in the 1990s, an aunty was bedridden in a rest home for six years. Each night, she prayed she would be taken. Could the earlier writers cope with the incontinence, the bedsores, the devastated dignity and the pain? Or expect somebody else to do what they could not cope with themselves? All good if the reality in these cases is hidden from view.
Recently, a paraplegic friend experienced a stroke that disabled him further. With no help to "die with dignity", he starved himself to death - an awful and painful end.
One would not let an animal experience that trauma.
Maybe those who oppose our views might have to experience the reality of being immersed in the painful end of a loved one - I hope not.
In any of those circumstances, I would like to be assisted through that transition by an "enlightened doctor", family nearby - and not a "do-gooder" for miles.
Good on Dr Jonquiere to have the courage to speak out in a world of "do-good" ignorance. Also a big thank you to the End of Life Focus Group and those who arranged his visit.
Also good luck to the courageous actions of the Wellington solicitor whose endeavour will help lift us out of the bigoted ignorance we have in our society.
