Desmond Tutu says in video that he supports the option of assisted dying
ARCHBISHOP Emeritus Desmond Tutu has recorded a video saying he wants the option of assisted dying "when the time comes … to pass", endorsing bills worldwide to authorise this end-of-life option.
Two years ago, the legendary Christian human rights leader authored an op-ed in The Guardian, announcing the reversal of his lifelong opposition to assisted dying as an option for terminally ill adults to stop unbearable end-of-life suffering. But he was more ambiguous about whether he personally wanted the option: "I would say I wouldn’t mind," wrote the Nobel Peace Prize laureate at the time. The new video of Tutu, the first black archbishop of the Anglican Church of SA, was recorded in June for Dignity in Dying, and Compassion and Choices. The two nonprofit organisations are the leading national advocates for medical aid in dying as an end-of-life option in the UK and US, respectively. "As a Christian, I believe in the sanctity of life and that death is a part of life. I hope that ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.