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Age 71-80

Interview 18

Interview 18

Age at Interview: 74
Sex: Male
Age at Diagnosis: 72
Background: National Trust Historic Buildings Representative (retired), married, 2 children

Brief outline:Diagnosed with bladder cancer and prostate cancer in 2001, followed by transurethral resections in 2001 and 2002, and then a prostatectomy and cystectomy (removal of bladder) and urostomy in 2002.

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Thinks that both a “living will” and euthanasia mean that life may be shortened artificially and believes that both are morally wrong.
Print Have you any particular opinion about what people call a “living will”? Have you heard of that term? Yes I have. Could you tell me what you think about it? Well, I can understand it but I think I believe in the teaching of my church that it's not acceptable. How would you define a living will? Ah, a living will is an instruction or perhaps not instructions but agreement to those who... giving authority rather, to those who are looking after a patient that if the patient feels that life is no longer worth living or bearable to end that patient's life. So you wouldn't ever think of making one for yourself? I would hope not, no. Because of your religious beliefs. Yes, yes. And there is a big debate now on nationally, and internationally about a related subject. Some people call it euthanasia, some people call it assisted suicide. What do you think of that? Well, I can't... I mean... maybe there is a difference but I think living wills and euthanasia are the same thing. Yes. All the same. And so your view is influenced by... I suppose euthanasia is slightly... More... the carers, or relations or whatever it is making the decision rather than the patient. But the end result is the same that life is terminated artificially. And you would be against that because of the faith you've got? Yes, yes So all the discussions about it becoming a national policy as it is in some countries such as the Netherlands, what do you think should be the main points in the debate in our country? I think morally and ethically it's wrong... It's easy for anybody who is not suffering enormous pain, incurable pain because I believe there are some pains that are... can't be conquered by medicine. It's easy for somebody else to say that. Good comes out of pain. Good comes out of suffering. I think it does.

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