A Dignified End - Holland

January 2007
Obbe Terpstra is 86. He has no terminal illness but his quality of life is deteriorating, he wants to die in a dignified way. This exclusive report follows him as he prepares to commit suicide.

"I want to die. I am not allowed but I want to", states Obbe Terpstra. He watched his wife die of cancer and doesn't want to end up like that. But helping someone commit suicide is a criminal offence. His son, Albert, knows of his plans but hasn't been involved with the preparations. "He doesn't want us to see him as a drooling old man. He wants us to remember him as he is now." A month later, Obbe swallows barbiturates. "He was extremely happy. The atmosphere was like a birthday party", recalls Albert. By sharing their story, Albert and Obbe hope they will re-open the debate on euthanasia.

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[megamarsvin]

But in many, many cases people DO know. They may have cancer, they may have Alzheimer's, they may be quadriplegic. But that doesn't even matter. The point is it's their choice. You are forcing them to stay alive because of your personal views.

Are you going to be the one that says to them: "no I won't let you end your suffering, you have to stay alive and suffer because of what I think"?

How can you so easily justify the suffering your "morality" causes?

[snarkydoc]

I agree, mr Terpstra, to people would say; please dont do it, i would miss you", just say; Get over it! All those people are just being selfish. Life is not about making others happy! Your life is about YOU!

[simpleshannon]

this country has warped ideas about death. the religious zealots don't care if you are being forced to go through a slow agonizing death. and the medical field is just pissed because it cuts out their profits.

[nymusnymus85]

@InYourFaceNewYorker Ah ok, like that, could be because from the doctor´s perspective he´s not suffering enough..

[InYourFaceNewYorker]

@nymusnymus85 Well, yeah, as it should be. I was just wondering why he wasn't able to get it done.

[nymusnymus85]

@InYourFaceNewYorker It is legal in The Netherlands, but that doesn´t mean it is easy to have euthanasia done. A doctor will talk with its patient for a certain period and if the outcome is that this person really wants to die and that view doesn´t seem to change, than the doctor will agree and do the treatment.

[ChingEliz]

I have a lot of respect for this brave old man.

[ApocalypsePlough]

Yes, one should have the right to make decisions about one's own life and death, but only if they are of sound mind. Of course, wanting to kill yourself puts you into the category of mentally ill, at least it does here in North America. So, a person of sound mind becomes not of sound mind when contemplating suicide. And could be forced into a mental institution. It's a conundrum wrapped in an enigma, or however the saying goes. Being suicidally sound-minded is an oxymoron, like giant shrimp.

[MyJdaly]

One should have the right to make decision about one's own life and death.

[Aztomak]

In the end it comes down to a simple answer. We are all entitled to the pursuit of happiness, as stated in the American Consitution.

[WSWarthog]

@bob27f

It's his own choice, everyone has the right to do with his possessions as he pleases including his life.