Woman, 26, with rare terminal illness is choosing to end her own life despite being 'petrified'
Warning: This article contains discussion of assisted dying which some readers may find distressing.
While the UK government are still in discussions about the assisted dying bill, other countries across the world are embracing people's rights to choose when and how they die.
Although it could be considered a slippery slope by some, especially in cases where others might argue that one's suffering is not enough to justify an assisted death, it is easy for anyone who has seen their loved ones go through immense suffering before their death to understand why someone might want to choose the manner of their death.
A physically healthy UK mum recently travelled to Switzerland to end her life after her grief following her son's death became too much, while a paralysed woman in Spain also chose to die by assisted euthanasia following a tragic assault.
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Now, a 26-year-old from Australia has spoken candidly about why her 26th birthday will be her last, having spent almost her entire life living with a rare autoimmune disease.
Annaliese (Annie) Holland recently spoke to 'A Current Affair' about the tragic decision she's been forced into, after reaching the point where she no longer recognises herself in the mirror.
She said: "It's something that I've been faced towards that I've kind of had to get over. Some people say that is a luxury.
"You really realise and appreciate time and quality and what really truly matters in life. So even though it's a c**ppy situation, I think there are some beautiful things that can come out of it."
Although Annie admitted that she doesn't want to die and is 'petrified' about the prospect, she has also learnt from her friend Lily Thai who also suffered from Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG).
The neurological disorder sees the immune system mistakenly attacks the autonomic ganglia - the cluster of nerve cells that control important bodily functions such as blood pressure, heart rate and digestion.
Annie was present when Lilly passed away and before she died, she told her, “You’ll know when you know." Annie didn’t understand then — but she does now.
“This isn’t me just choosing to end it,” she said. “I’m going to die anyway. It’s just me choosing when and how.”
Annie is in constant pain, her organs are failing and her teeth are falling out. She would be forced to spend the rest of her life taking round-the-clock medication while also living in constant fear, having suffered from 25 separate bouts of sepsis in her life thus far.
Now that Annie has confirmed that she will die in the next few months, she is campaigning for more access to assisted dying.
Palliative care specialist and VAD practitioner Dr Chloe Furst, who will guide Annie through her final moments, added: “We don’t like talking about death. Why prolong suffering and have reduced dignity when we have an option that gives people that choice?
“Annie’s suffering is no more or less than someone that’s 90.”
For advice, support, and more information, you can contact the nurse-led specialist team at Compassion in Dying via their helpline 0800 999 2434. You can also email them at [email protected].
Additionally, if you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Topics: Australia, Health, Mental Health
James Moorhouse