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This story was originally posted on RNZ.co.nz and is being republished with permission.
WARNING: This story is about assisted death and suicide and may be distressing to some readers.
A woman whose terminally ill husband chose suicide over a prolonged and painful death urges New Zealanders to allow people the option to die with dignity.
The public will be asked to vote yes or no on the 2019 End of Life Election Act, in the referendum on October 17 this year on the day of the national elections.
READ MORE:
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* Protesters in Christchurch march against the euthanasia referendum
* The letter from religious leaders against euthanasia elicits a fiery response from David Seymour.
The law would allow terminally ill people who are given six months or less to live and who are experiencing excruciating suffering the option of dying with medical assistance.
Richard, Heather Gregory’s husband of 30 years and father of her five children, was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer at age 58.
Anusha Bradley / RNZ
Heather Gregory, with a wedding photo showing her late husband Richard.
He had lived with slow-growing cancer for years, but in 2014 his health rapidly deteriorated.
“The tumor exudes hormones and damaged his heart. She wasn’t getting enough oxygen; her body was breaking down, ”Heather said.
“When it happened, it was very sudden and very severe.”
She said that Richard was thin and that he had to bandage the wounds on his crying legs with adult diapers every day. He had an ulcer on his back and his personality had changed.
STUFF
What is the euthanasia referendum and why do you vote? Explanation of the Law of choosing the end of life.
“He felt like he was losing control. The day he died, he took a nap in the sun and when he went to get up, he couldn’t, he wasn’t strong enough. “
That night in August 2014, Heather went to her pageant night in her hometown of Hastings.
But he had a bad feeling that he couldn’t shake. He contacted his daughter at 8:30 p.m. and that was when he heard the news.
Richard had taken his own life.
The consequences of Richard’s suicide were harrowing. Two of her adult children were traumatized after finding her, and the three who weren’t there felt displaced, Heather said.
“It was a devastating end to a very good life, and it could have been so much better.”
He said he hadn’t prepared for it. It was not the end that she and her five children expected.
RNZ
Heather Gregory wants voters to take the end-of-life referendum election seriously in this election.
“We had the double blow: the long finish and then sudden death. I thought we would be sitting around a bed talking about things. “
Richard’s suffering was unbearable and there was little that could really ease it, Heather said.
If euthanasia had been an option, he would have taken it, he said.
“If this had been in place, it would have changed the whole dynamics of the whole situation that led to it, and the final moments and the time afterward.”
RNZ
Heather Gregory with her late husband, Richard, and their young family at the time.
“There’s nothing like a plan, is there?”
The public has a very medically assisted life, and that should extend to a medically assisted death, he said.
“It is not going to cause the death of more people; these people are dying anyway. But the manner of her death will be much more supportive, compassionate and kind. “
Heather hopes the law will pass.
“I don’t want anyone to have to go through what Richard went through.”
Thanks to reporter Anusha Bradley for her additional reporting.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
1737, do you need to talk? Call or text 1737 toll free anytime for support from a trained counselor
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222999 in Auckland
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email [email protected] or online chat
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828865 (0508 SUPPORT)
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for children from 5 to 18 years old). Telephone counseling is available Monday through Friday, noon to 11 p.m. M. And on weekends, from 3 pm. M. A 11 p. M. Online chat is available from 7 pm to 10 pm every day.
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz – or email [email protected] or free text to 5626
Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Rural Support Trust – 0800787254 (0800 RURAL AID)
Support for families with mental illness – 0800732825
This story was originally posted on RNZ.co.nz and is being republished with permission.
