If we have the right to live, I believe we must have the right to die.

Some people say they are afraid of voluntary euthanasia. It's a personal choice. Are these people also afraid of death?

I care for the elderly in my capacity as a nurse. I often hear the comment, ‘I don't want to die'. Is this born of fear? Are some of us bargaining? If I walk every day, will I stall death?
It is natural to fear the unknown. Even fundamental Christians are indoctrinated into believing they must suffer their own death if they suddenly become seriously ill.

The opinion that no one will be asked to bear more than they are able to cope with seems to be a little lightweight.

If we had a choice about how our life ends, could we make a plan? With that plan in place, we might enjoy the rest of our life knowing if we were at death's door, we could control how our last days were orchestrated. Again, it's a personal choice.

We can start now, if we want, by drawing up an advanced directive. It takes away the guesswork for medical staff and family. A power of attorney ensures our wishes are carried out.

This basic human right to die, means we should be able to choose for ourselves the kind of death we want.

Tess Nesdale, Papamoa.