Religion

British Scientist To Die In Swiss Suicide Clinic, Advocates Free Access To Euthanasia

EuthansiaMachine | Circa January 2006 | Gaius Cornelius

Renowned botanist Dr. David Goodall will end his life at age 104 at a Swiss suicide clinic Thursday, saying he “hasn’t got anything to live for.”

Goodall will die at 10 a.m. at the Life Circle clinic in Basel, Switzerland, with four family members and one friend present, according to Daily Mail. Goodall is ending his life because living became miserable for him “five or 10 years ago” due to his inability to walk and his failing eyesight, he said.

“I no longer want to continue with my life and am happy to have the chance to end it,” Goodall said at a press conference, according to Daily Mail.

The scientist attempted suicide several weeks ago in Australia, where he lives but was saved by medical personnel, according to CNN. It was his third attempt. He has chosen to end his life in Switzerland since Australia currently does not permit medically assisted suicide.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Goodall said of his impending suicide, according to CNN. “I’m happy that this period beforehand has been used to interview me, and I’ve brought the ideas of euthanasia to light.”

Goodall, a long time member of pro-assisted suicide group Exit International, also took the opportunity afforded by his recent publicity to advocate global access to assisted suicide.

The scientist reportedly resented having to leave Australia to end his life and characterized their attempts to keep him alive as “cruel.” Exit International helped raise the necessary funds for Goodall’s travel to and suicide in Switzerland. The organization was founded by Philip Nitschke, commonly called “Doctor Death,” who has gained infamy not only for his agenda to make assisted suicide available to anyone who wants it but also for creating and distributing various suicide kits and life-ending devices — even in countries where assisted suicide is not legal. Nitschke accompanied Goodall at his Tuesday press conference.

Daniel Goodall, one of David’s 12 grandchildren, expressed support for his grandfather’s wish to end his life.

“I feel very privileged that I will be able to be there when my grandfather passes away,” Daniel told Daily Mail.

“He is so brave, and I am so glad that he has been able to make his own choice. It is his wish that he can end his life but such a shame that he was not allowed to do it in his own country.”

David was born in April 1914, just before the outbreak of World War I. He moved from the U.K. to Australia as a child. Over the course of his adult life, he has had three wives, became a father of four, and held academic positions in the U.S., U.K. and Australia. He retired in 1979 and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2016.

Doctors will kill David, using lethal injection. Goodall will likely listen to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony as he dies, he said.