Joy Hunter is an elderly woman in New Zealand who has cancer and has expressed her wish to die by euthanasia.
She has attempted to kill herself by suicide three times and is now hoping that euthanasia or assisted suicide will be legalised.
Joy's mother, grandmother and husband all died from cancer. Joy had a terrible experience when her mother died and she fears that she might experience the same type of horrific death.
This would appear to be a near perfect case for the euthanasia lobby in New Zealand but there is more.
Joy is a member of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of New Zealand and last month met Philip Nitschke, Australia's Dr. Death. Joy may have been convinced by Nitschke that her campaign will be of benefit to their cause, especially since she is not terminally ill and will have a significant amount of time to influence the public.
Joy also admits that her only child, a daughter, is distressed by her decision. But she is adamant that she doesn't want to be a burden on anyone. Joy should be concerned about how killing herself will effect her daughter.
Joy appears to be a woman who is always in control. She has had a very negative experience with the death of a family member. Joy would do well to find a caring physician and support team who are willing journey with her without killing her. She may learn that she doesn't need to die a horrific death.
In the article in Stuff she states:
"Voluntary euthanasia is for people still cognitive. I can't see that anyone else should be involved. It could be open to abuse but if the law covers it properly it shouldn't be abused."
How can Joy assure the most vulnerable in our society that assisted suicide won't be abused in New Zealand?
Joy needs to reconsider her decision by recognizing how her actions may change the way everyone is treated and how the lives of vulnerable people will be threatened by euthanasia or assisted suicide.
Link to the articles:
http://3news.co.nz:80/News/HealthNews/Cancersuffererfightsforeuthanasia/tabid/420/articleID/67721/cat/58/Default.aspx
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4655654a11.html
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