Ian McEwan has called for the extension of assisted dying rights to include dementia sufferers, citing his personal experience with his mother's struggles with the condition. The author, who is a patron of Dignity in Dying, expressed frustration at the snowballing amendments to the UK's assisted dying bill, which he believes are being used as a filibuster to block its passage.
McEwan, who has written extensively about dementia in his novels "Lessons" and "Saturday", said that those with less than six months to live should have access to assisted dying. He emphasized the need for compassion and control over one's own death, stating, "It has to be physical pain". The author acknowledged that extending assisted dying to dementia sufferers would require careful consideration and safeguards, particularly regarding living wills.
McEwan shared his personal story of watching his mother struggle with dementia, which left her unrecognizable and ultimately led to her demise. He described the experience as a "terrible thing" that placed an unbearable burden on those closest to him. The author's comments highlighted the need for policymakers to prioritize compassion and understanding in their consideration of assisted dying.
When asked if he would propose amendments to extend assisted dying to dementia sufferers, McEwan replied that it should be done gradually, taking into account the complex issues surrounding living wills and medical judgment. He noted that the absence of those with dementia from current discussions on assisted dying is striking, likening it to the criticism often leveled at the bill that it represents the "thin end of the wedge".
McEwan also discussed his latest book, "What We Can Know", which explores climate change and its impact on human relationships. He expressed a mix of despair and hope regarding humanity's future, acknowledging the need for clear thinking amidst concerns about the world's demise. In contrast to the anxiety often associated with elderly pessimism, McEwan sees his novel as an attempt to reconcile these conflicting forces.
The author concluded that the consideration of assisted dying must prioritize human dignity and compassion, particularly in the face of suffering or terminal illness.
McEwan, who has written extensively about dementia in his novels "Lessons" and "Saturday", said that those with less than six months to live should have access to assisted dying. He emphasized the need for compassion and control over one's own death, stating, "It has to be physical pain". The author acknowledged that extending assisted dying to dementia sufferers would require careful consideration and safeguards, particularly regarding living wills.
McEwan shared his personal story of watching his mother struggle with dementia, which left her unrecognizable and ultimately led to her demise. He described the experience as a "terrible thing" that placed an unbearable burden on those closest to him. The author's comments highlighted the need for policymakers to prioritize compassion and understanding in their consideration of assisted dying.
When asked if he would propose amendments to extend assisted dying to dementia sufferers, McEwan replied that it should be done gradually, taking into account the complex issues surrounding living wills and medical judgment. He noted that the absence of those with dementia from current discussions on assisted dying is striking, likening it to the criticism often leveled at the bill that it represents the "thin end of the wedge".
McEwan also discussed his latest book, "What We Can Know", which explores climate change and its impact on human relationships. He expressed a mix of despair and hope regarding humanity's future, acknowledging the need for clear thinking amidst concerns about the world's demise. In contrast to the anxiety often associated with elderly pessimism, McEwan sees his novel as an attempt to reconcile these conflicting forces.
The author concluded that the consideration of assisted dying must prioritize human dignity and compassion, particularly in the face of suffering or terminal illness.
anyway what's wrong with just making sure ppl in pain can make their own decisions? 
my cat is always like that when she's old and not feeling well, just wants to curl up and sleep all day... maybe assisted dying for ppl with dementia could be good for them too... but at the same time i feel bad for the people who have to go through it without that option 
what do you guys think about it tho?
I mean, have you seen how they're dragging their feet on this whole assisted dying bill? It's like, we get it, there are some tough issues to navigate, but come on! Ian McEwan is speaking from personal experience here, having watched his mom go through dementia and basically lose her self... it's heartbreaking. And he's not just talking about a few weeks or months left to live, he's saying anyone with less than six months should have access to this option. It makes total sense, you know? I mean, who wants to suffer from chronic pain and cognitive decline when there's a way out?
just read about Ian McEwan calling for assisted dying rights to be extended to dementia sufferers... it's a tough one 
his story with his mum is heartbreaking, I can only imagine how hard it must've been for him 
and yeah, the amendments being used as a filibuster is ridiculous 
what's the point of prolonging the debate if it just means more people are stuck in unbearable pain? 
.
Of course, there are complex issues surrounding living wills and medical judgment, but I think we can work through that gradually.
. That does seem like a pretty glaring oversight, especially considering how much it affects their lives. Anyway, I'm intrigued by his latest book, "What We Can Know" - sounds like a really thought-provoking exploration of climate change and human relationships 
. And yeah, policymakers should really listen to the people who are affected by this stuff... it's not just about politics or whatever, it's about people's lives 
.
It's a tough topic but McEwan's story is eye-opening. The lack of discussion around dementia and assisted dying is wild 
. The thing that gets me is how much more accessible this conversation needs to be 
. It's time for a real conversation about what it means to live (or die) with dignity 
.