Assisted Suicide | Harriet Scott's Story | Last Right Series

Harriet's Story of Living and Dying on Her Own Terms

Personal Introduction

  • Name: Harriet

  • Age: 72 years old

  • Life Philosophy: Emphasis on physical fitness, activity, and weight control as key aspects of well-being.

  • Cancer Diagnosis: Diagnosed with liver cancer three years prior to the interview.

Terminal Diagnosis

  • Timeframe: Diagnosed as terminal two months before the interview.

    • Oncologist’s prognosis: Expected to live one to two weeks or up to two months.

Determination to Control Her Death

  • Personal Agency: Harriet is resolute in wanting to prove her cancer doctor wrong, intending to die on her own terms.

  • Background: A self-described "gym junkie," she desires to maintain control until the end of her life.

Emotional Reactions to Terminal Diagnosis

  • Approach to News: Calm and organized; prepared mentally and practically for her impending death.

  • Reflection: Expresses an inability to explain her calmness; noted that she might have anticipated her condition.

Views on Dying and Choice

  • Death Wish: Desires a natural death without significant pain.

  • Contemplation of Assisted Suicide: Consideration of taking her life if the pain is unmanageable; reflects on her mother's painful death from cancer.

  • Personal Resolve: Strong desire to manage her own death, suggesting that nobody should dictate her end.

Societal Implications of Assisted Death

  • Legal Concerns: Troubled by the fact that in Canada, assisted dying is illegal.

  • Stockpiling Medications: Thoughts on acquiring medications for potential assisted suicide, indicating a serious contemplation of the matter.

  • Perspectives on Courage: Notes differing views on the morality of assisted suicide, suggesting that decisions about dying should be personal.

Social Interactions and Planning

  • Routine Conversations: Engages in candid discussions with friends and loved ones about her death and plans, including funeral preparations.

  • Pragmatism towards Death: Expresses practical thoughts about her memorial, demonstrating a unique perspective that others may find foreign.

Experience of Living with Terminal Illness

  • Personal Life: Shares moments with friends showing vulnerability without denial of her condition.

  • Emotional Impact of Stability: Discussion about how living with the terminal diagnosis has brought a semblance of peace and time for reflection, acknowledging her relationship with her husband Ron, who has Parkinson’s disease.

Fear and Pain Management

  • Fear of Pain: The only significant fear is suffering immense pain before death, underscores her wish for pain relief.

  • Pain Regulation: Use of fentanyl patches with escalating painkiller dosages; emphasizes need for control over her pain management.

Hospitalization and Intensive Care

  • Admission: Experiences increased pain leading to hospitalization; reflects on a sense of fear and despair about time lost.

  • Support System: Husband Ron and sister-in-law Peggy provide emotional and medical support, indicating the importance of having advocates.

Final Reflections and Connections

  • Final Calls for Choices: Harriet’s desire to advocate for assisted suicide based on personal and societal experiences, encouraging others to consider the ability to die with dignity.

  • Connection to Legacy: Hopes that societal attitudes will change regarding personal choice in end-of-life decisions, comparing it to pro-choice movements.

Last Days and Family Gatherings

  • Family Reunions: Emphasis on timing of family from Europe being present as a significant emotional moment in her narrative.

  • Concluding Peace: Harriet experiences a sense of fulfillment and peace before her passing, affirming that she had lived her journey on her own terms.

Conclusion of Life

  • Final Moments: Surrounded by family, listening to music, reinforcing her autonomy even at the end of life.

  • Life Lesson: Harriet’s death showcases the importance of having options in life, with her final request being the freedom of choice in matters of life and death.

Ethical Considerations

  • Discussion of Assisted Dying: Harriet’s story raises complex ethical issues surrounding autonomy, personal choice, and the legal frameworks that govern end-of-life decisions. She pleads for respect over individual choices concerning death.

Summary of Key Themes

  • Autonomy in Dying: The need for personal control over one’s dying process in the face of terminal illness.

  • Societal changes regarding assisted death: Discussion of legal and moral implications of assisted dying in contemporary society.

  • Emotional Complexity: A blend of acceptance, fear, and the desire for dignity in death.

Quotes for Consideration

  • "I want to die as I lived, not dependent on anyone."

  • "If I begin to have uncontrollable pain, then that’s what I’ll do. I’m determined for that. I don’t want to suffer."

  • "Just give me choice."