Assisted dying is sometimes the most compassionate option - Daxa Patel

The last year of our lives together was both a privilege and a challenge in equal measure. There were moments of frustration when he felt his independence had been robbed.

Last week I saw Prue Leith and her son on Channel 4, in a program Prue and Danny’s Death Road Trip.

When I watched this it brought home to me memories that I had blanked out and of conversations with my father when he wanted me to arrange to take him to Dignitas in Switzerland because as he would say, he had lived a long life and he was tired of living.

In the UK it is a crime to assist death or die at will. There are a few countries around the world where it is possible. I can understand why.

It is totally appreciated that some people may disagree with the notion of allowing a choice, but I am sure compassionate dying will not be controversial in the slightest.

I believe in choice. Dying well requires an active choice and it is a shame if those who wish to take this route have to travel to say Switzerland.

I saw my father’s suffering, even though he did not have a terminal illness. The joy of not being able to live the kind of independent life he was accustomed to made his life harder to bear.

My dad, who was a strong character, turned into this frail and fragile being.

I am not suggesting by any means that the choice to end one’s life be done lightly. Strict criteria like those in use in Switzerland can facilitate a kinder death.

I want to be allowed to have control over my death. It is only human that we do not want to suffer and we do not want to be not in control.

Currently assisted death is legal in 13 countries including Canada, but in Canada death does not have to be foreseeable. There is a danger of misuse but it is possible to allow a pain-free death with dignity rather than a prolonged painful death.

Why not give the patient a choice with the help of a doctor so that is safer?

Death like birth should be an empowering experience for those dying and those near to them.

When my father asked for my help I could not help him but we were fortunate in that he had his wish of dying at home with me by his side at the grand age of 95.

Currently in Scotland there is a bill in Parliament which has the support of 70 per cent MSPs.

It is about choice and support for a better end of life for the terminally ill. If the person decides their suffering is unbearable then what right does society have to say it is not?

I accept people have strong views on this matter but by writing about this I hope it contributes to a constructive dialogue amongst us all.

On this matter alone our dogs thankfully do not have to suffer as often we make a ‘humane’ choice for them.

Daxa Manhar Patel is a solicitor, author and executive coach.