End of Life Choices

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

We all know, without question, the date of our birth. We know the town we were born in, maybe even the exact hospital. What if you could plan your death in the same manner, down to the very last detail? Choose how it happens, know where you would like to be, and what family and loved ones you would have surrounding you? According to the “End Of Life Choices” organization, this is a basic human right. Suzanne spoke with Dr. Paul Spiers, Chairman of the “End Of Life Choices” Board of Directors, to learn more about this organization and their controversial beliefs.

“End Of Life Choices” (formerly the “Hemlock Society”) was formed in 1980 by Derek Humphry. In 1975, his wife was terminally ill with bone cancer and suffering through incredible pain, and asked him to help her commit suicide. That experience led him to campaign for “lawful physician-assisted dying to be an option for the terminally and hopelessly ill.”

Paul Spiers decided to become a part of the organization after being a witness to his father’s slow death from lung cancer and emphysema. Instead of dying peacefully at home like he had wished, his father spent his last days in a veteran’s hospital. Paul was also involved in an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. While his condition is not terminal and he doesn’t want to end his own life, he realized the importance of choice and control when applied to one’s own suffering. He believes, as do all members of the organization, that no one has the right to tell someone else how much they should suffer when faced with illness.

Suzanne spoke with another member, Leanore Vizer, about her reasons for joining. Her mother was once a robust 80 year-old professional pianist and singer. After being diagnosed with osteoporosis and polymyalgia rheumatica, her body began its slow downward spiral. She was admitted to a nursing home, and eventually whittled away to 58 pounds. Because of her diminutive frame, her bones would break when she was moved, and she told her daughters repeatedly that she would rather die than suffer any longer. Her daughters understood, but they also knew there was no way they could help her. Leanore became involved with “Choices” and told her mother about the group’s efforts to legalize choice in one’s own death, and the future possibility of legal physician-assisted death. Eventually, it took four years of suffering before her mother passed away, and Leonore wished that she could have granted her mother the painless, peaceful death she had wanted.

Does the Organization Promote Suicide?
The organization actually objects to the word “suicide,” as it is not something they promote. More specifically, it is the individual’s right to a choice that they feel is so important. For this reason, they are in support of physician-assisted suicide (the prescription of lethal medication when faced with terminal illness), if a person would rather that than suffer. The group is currently fighting to have assisted death legalized. Their main mission is to provide information and support to those dealing with death and terminal illnesses.