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WORLD> Europe
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Live euthanasia hits the airwaves in UK
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-11 06:47 "By putting it out there, and putting it out there in its entirety, people can judge for themselves," he said, adding that the documentary gives viewers an insight into how assisted suicide would work if it is legalized in more places. Originally called "The Suicide Tourist," the film was renamed "Right to Die?" for its British broadcast on Sky TV's Real Lives digital channel, which draws far fewer viewers than the network's myriad news, sports or movie shows. Still, it generated enormous publicity, with clips shown throughout the day on Sky News and rival channels. The televised suicide in Britain follows a well-publicized case in Florida, where a teenager killed himself on camera last month and broadcast the chilling images live on an Internet site. Ewert, who was living in Britain when he became ill, went abroad to end his life because assisted suicide is illegal in Britain. In the film, he says he wanted to take action before the disease, which destroys cells that control essential muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing and swallowing, left him completely incapacitated. "When you are completely paralyzed, can't talk, can't walk, can't move your eyes, how do you let someone know that you are suffering?" he asked. In an emotional message to his adult son and daughter, who appear in the program, Ewert asked for understanding. "I would hope that this is not a cause of major distress to those who love me," he said, using a voice-activated computer to speak. "This is a journey I must make." At the same time, he acknowledged, "My dear sweet wife will have the greatest loss, as we have been together for 37 years in the greatest intimacy." Ewert died at an apartment in Zurich with the help of Dignitas, a well-known assisted suicide group in Switzerland, where suicide is legal in some circumstances. Dignitas founder Ludwig A. Minelli said the presence of cameras and filmmakers did not in any way influence Ewert's decision. "Ewert, because of his illness and his declared intent right from the start to shorten his own suffering, never once considered the possibility of abandoning his assisted suicide," said Minelli. The case came up during the prime minister's question time Wednesday when legislator Phil Willis, who represents Ewert's district, complained that the film promoted a crime. He asked Brown if the prime minister believed the show was "in the public interest" or simply a case of "distasteful voyeurism." Brown did not venture an opinion, saying only that the government's "television watchdogs" will scrutinize the show after it is broadcast. Public opinion polls suggest that 80 percent of Britons believe the law should be changed to allow a doctor to end a patient's life in a case like Ewert's, but opposition from influential religious groups remains strong and the anti-suicide law remains in place. |
