A long time philosophical issue appears in real life.
Former rugby player Tony Nicklinson had a high-flying job as a corporate manager
in Dubai, where he went skydiving and bridge-climbing in his free time.
Seven years ago, he suffered a paralyzing stroke. Today he can only move his
head, cannot speak and needs constant care.
And he wants to die.
To try to ensure that whoever ends his life won't be jailed, the 57-year-old
Nicklinson recently asked Britain's High Court to declare that any doctor who
gives him a lethal injection with his consent won't be charged with murder. This
week, the court will hold its first hearing on the case.
Most people who want to die, who are physically able to do so, can lawfully
commit suicide," said Nicklinson's lawyer, Saimo Chahal.
But that's not the case for Nicklinson, who has "locked-in syndrome" - a
condition in which a person's body is paralyzed but mind intact.
Under U.K. law, anyone who helps Nicklinson die could be charged with murder,
even if they are carrying out his wishes. A murder charge has a mandatory life
sentence, regardless of the motive or circumstances.
If someone is of sound mind, is able to express their views and wishes about their own life, and those views and wishes can be reviewed in depth - then should that person be able to have their views and wishes followed? Should society be able to overrule that person's beliefs? Or - should they be honored, as long as various constraints are followed with care?
I am of the opinion that yes; all of us should have the ability to take our own life, with caveats. Still - I realize this is a complex issue and that good arguments can be made for various views.
At the very least - we can all have great sympathy for those whose lives have been compromised like that of Nicklinson.
Comments