On his 104th birthday, Australian scientist David Goodall made a wish: 'I want to die. 'sometimes it's a kind of happiness to die with dignity. Maybe in the future, euthanasia can be accepted by the public.
In an interview with ABC, born in 1914, he said that old people like him should have full civil rights, including the right to euthanasia.
Now, Goodall is about to get what he wants. He left Perth, Western Australia, for Europe on Wednesday (May 2) to Basel, Switzerland, where he will end his long life at a local assisted death facility.
Goodell was born in London and is an ecologist, according to the BBC. Although he terminated his full-time job nearly 30 years ago, he remained in research. In recent years, Goodell has also completed the editing of 30 volumes of the world ecosystem. Until 2016, he held the position of Honorary Research Associate of Edith Cowan University in Australia, which is considered to be the oldest scientist in Australia.
Goodall in his youth
However, Edith Cowan University put forward that Goodall's own health is a great potential safety hazard, and also questioned the centenarian's ability to take public transportation to work. After many protests, Goodall was able to continue his research work, but he had to choose to work closer to home, that is to say, he could not see his colleagues and friends in the original office again.
In fact, Goodell joined exit international, an organization that supports euthanasia, 20 years ago. The group's representative, Carol O'Neil, will accompany Goodell to Switzerland this time. O'Neill said: 'his interest is not as high as it used to be. He has to pack all his books. From that moment on he was no longer happy. '
In recent years, Goodall's declining eyesight has made it difficult for him to read email or go to rehearsals in amateur theatres. From the age of 90, Goodall can no longer play tennis, ABC reports, and most of his friends have died.
"He's not depressed or miserable right now, but the little spark he had a few years ago is gone," O'Neill said.
Goodall, 102, is still working on his research. Source: ABC
Goodall had previously lived alone in Perth's apartment. A few months ago, Goodall accidentally fell down at home and had to lie on the floor for two days until the cleaner found out and took him to the hospital. The doctor said he could no longer take the bus himself, or even cross the road alone.
'it makes me very unhappy, and I feel constrained,' said Goodell. 'there is no doubt that such a life' lacks dignity, and there is no dignity at all. '
He mentioned that his family also realized how dissatisfied they were with life. Goodell's daughter, Karen Goodall Smith, is a clinical psychologist. She and her father had a frank exchange of life and death issues. Obviously, she didn't want her father to choose euthanasia, but she understood.
'because of his health, the door has gradually closed to him,' Karen said. 'he has lived a great 104 years. Whatever happens, whatever choice he makes, it's up to him. '
Goodall and his family celebrate their 104th birthday
For Goodall, it may be a little pity that he cannot voluntarily end his life in his own country because euthanasia is not allowed in Australia. Although Melbourne's state of Victoria has passed relevant laws, they will not come into force until the middle of 2019, and only apply to patients with a life expectancy of less than six months and mental health. Goodall did not meet the requirements.
With the help of the crowdfunding platform, Goodall obtained 20000 Australian dollars, and was able to take business class to Europe to fulfill his long cherished wish. He will first visit relatives in Bordeaux, France, and then go to Basel, Switzerland with his family.
The vast majority of countries in the world do not support euthanasia or assisted suicide in which patients take drugs on their own. Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg are the few European countries that allow euthanasia. The BBC points out that Switzerland is also the only country that allows assisted suicide against foreigners.
On April 4, when Goodall was asked 'happy or not' on his birthday, he said: 'I'm not happy', 'I Regret living so long, and I would like to be 20 or 30 years younger. '