Terry Pratchett ready to be test case for suicide law

[muriel_volestrangler]

Sir Terry Pratchett has said he's ready to be a test case for assisted suicide "tribunals" which could give people legal permission to end their lives.

The author, who has Alzheimer's, says he wants a tribunal set up to help those with incurable diseases end their lives with help from doctors.
...
Sir Terry is due to set out his ideas in Monday's Richard Dimbleby lecture.

In the keynote lecture, Shaking Hands With Death, the best-selling author will say that the "time is really coming" for assisted death to be legalised.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8490062.stm

The Richard Dimbleby Lecture is a prestigious yearly lecture which gets high visibility:

Author Sir Terry Pratchett will deliver the 34th annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture, held in honour of the veteran broadcaster, the BBC has announced.

Writer of the bestselling Discworld series, Sir Terry revealed he was suffering from a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer's disease in 2007.

His lecture will explore how modern society needs to redefine how it deals with death.
...
Previous Richard Dimbleby lecturers include the Prince of Wales, Bill Clinton, Dame Stella Rimington and Dr Rowan Williams.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8458971.stm

[uppityperson]

1. I agree, with regulations. K&R for best of luck MrPratchett.

[Junkdrawer]

2. Ahhh...The Death Panels....I can hear it now....

"England, home of Socialized Medicine, begins Death Panels"...

[Democrat_in_Houston]

9. Yep, "mandatory" death panels, soon.

How about just knocking yourself off like everybody else?

[Pithlet]

3. I wish him the best.

:cry:

[babylonsister]

4. He's brave imo. Best of luck to him in getting his wish. nt

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. Good luck, Sir Terry!

[Fumesucker]

6. Damn, I did not know Terry P had Alzheimer's..

I hope he prevails both in court and against Alzheimer's

Edited to add: Ironically enough, I just about an hour ago started reading his "Mort", which is about Death.

[HeresyLives]

7. A rare form I understand.

It seems to affect just his eyes.

[The Doctor.]

8. It will be an excellent event.

Big fan of his work. I look forward to hearing him.

[comrade snarky]

10. The very best of luck to him

I'm sorry he is sick but I'm glad he's facing it on his own terms and trying to do some good. Impressive.


If there is an afterlife the first thing he hears should be "A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU SIR PRATCHETT, THIS WAY PLEASE."

[timeforpeace]

11. Just finished his latest, Unseen Academicals. Wonderful, and I had hoped he was able to keep going.