Desmond Tutu calls supports assisted suicide
Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu stated that he would like to die the way he chooses to and called on Christians to support assisted suicide.
In an op-ed for the Washington Post, Tutu expressed his belief that those who are dying should have the right to choose the time and manner of their own deaths.
He pointed out that although assisted suicide is now legal in California and Canada, it is still forbidden in many parts of the world.
Tutu noted that he had previously reversed his opposition to assisted suicide but he was not clear whether he wanted the option himself.
"Today, I myself am even closer to the departures hall than arrivals, so to speak, and my thoughts turn to how I would like to be treated when the time comes. Now more than ever, I feel compelled to lend my voice to this cause," the archbishop wrote.
Tutu underwent treatment for prostate cancer for several years. He was hospitalized several times in the past few months for infections related to the cancer treatment. He celebrated his 85th birthday on Oct. 7 in South Africa.
"I have prepared for my death and have made it clear that I do not wish to be kept alive at all costs," he continued. "I hope I am treated with compassion and allowed to pass on to the next phase of life's journey in the manner of my choice," Tutu said.
The archbishop asserted that those who are suffering will be more comfortable when they know that assisted suicide is an available option for them.
He said that he would welcome Christians who supported the right of those who are dying "to leave this world with dignity." He argued that people do not demonstrate compassion when they do not allow assisted dying.
Tutu noted that Lord Carey, the former archbishop of Canterbury, has argued in favor of an assisted dying law in Britain. He prayed that other religious leaders and politicians would also follow Carey's example.
