Aelia Jusa |
05-24-2002 11:26 PM |
Quote:
Originally posted by Lifetime:
Sometimes. There was this headline in one of the local newspapers saying "21 Clap as Nancy Dies".. Are there any Aussies out there who have seen this article in one form or another? I felt pretty bad about the whole situation. Not that her death bothered me, but the whole thing just seemed so wrong.
If any of you guys dont know what I'm talking about, the article is about this old lady who planned to commit suicide and invited people to watch her death so she wouldnt have to die alone. Apparently they were sipping tea and champagne while she took an overdose of drugs or something.
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This story has been dominating the news in Queensland for the past few days (and a few weeks ago, when she decided to give palliative care another go). Nancy Crick was terminally ill with bowel cancer, she could not travel anywhere because she needed to be near a toilet constantly, she could not hold her grandchildren and was in constant pain. She tried palliative care numerous times but while it dulled the pain, it dulled whatever joy she felt as well.
She became a symbol for the voluntary euthanasia campaigners, because she didn't want to live anymore with her pain, and palliative care was not an option for her, but euthanasia is illegal. The reason she was committing suicide now is because she could still do it herself and not need to involve others. Her family and friends were with her, as I'm sure most of us hope our loved ones are near us when we die. If they did clap, it was because they were respecting a very brave woman who did not wish to live her 'life' anymore.
Now these friends and family are facing prosecution and possible life sentences because they did not try to prevent her from committing suicide, even though they did not assist in any way. Her house is a crime scene and her body can't be released for burial because it is under investigation.
You're right - it was wrong, that people would try to stop her from making her own decisions about her life and what it meant to her.
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