Assisted Suicide and Dying with Dignity

"They wish to choose the circumstances of their deaths." This is especially the case for those who unfortunately are suffering in agony through prolonged sickness or disability.

The debate over euthanasia (or assisted suicide) has been a long drawn one with strong views on both sides. In Singapore, the view is that euthanasia is not acceptable. However, we have the Advanced Medical Directive as a way to not prolong the suffering of the terminally ill and often by extension that of the family. The Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that one signs in advance to inform the attending doctor (in the event one become terminally ill and unconscious) that no extraordinary life-sustaining treatment be used to prolong our life.

As our aging society progresses, there will be more elderly folks and lesser younger ones. The likelihood of taking care of our parents and elders in lesser states of health becomes more real with each passing day. Though most of us would like to think that death comes quick and easy, I believe the reality is in fact contrary. If not in our own families, we would have heard stories through friends where loved ones suffer over periods of months if not years as sickness and disabilty wear down the patient to their last days (e.g. Alzheimer's or dementia; diabetes with limb amputation; kidney failure; and cancer with draining treatment from chemo/radiotherapy). One can only imagine the anguish, frustration and pain of close family members and caregivers throughout the process of caring for these patients.

Ensuring proper and adequate medical insurance is a first step towards taking care of our loved ones. After all, no one wishes to be deprived of access to good medical care when the emergency need arises. For some of us, the AMD may then be our signature good-bye to reduce burden on the living.