As Jimi Hendrix put it, “I’ve got my own life to live / I’m the one that’s gonna die when it’s time for me to die / So let me live my life the way I want to.” I wonder if he’d apply that same line of reasoning to death. But those in North America saying, “let me end my life the way I want to,” aren’t getting much of a response. Politicians will barely touch it. The right to die seems to be one of those issues too “icky” for some to even consider.
At least they’re talking about it in Europe.
PARIS — Right-to-die controversies are playing out in European media and parliaments in stark contrast to Canada where there is no momentum to amend Canada’s law that criminalizes assisted suicide and euthanasia, experts say.
In Italy, Eluana Englaro, left in a permanent vegetative state after a car accident 17 years ago, was allowed to die this past week amid a controversy that divided the nation.