How To Die - Simon's Choice

[Mamyalynne]

BBC2 tonight - anyone watch?


I know the subject matter is a huge one but my question is more, did you think the programme was well handled and how did it make you feel?


For myself, I leapt from one emotion to the other and ended up as confused about the issue as I was before - though I have great respect for those who appeared along with Simon on his journey. Especially his Mum.

[pixie374]

I only saw the end, that was difficult to watch. Is it worth finding on catch-up?

[Mamyalynne]

Oh yes I think so , I guess the thing is that every single case is different - I thought it well handled and very moving.

[-SharonA-]

I missed this too. Will watch on catchup.

[pixie374]

Thanks x I'll have a look. We're looking after someone with mnd and have done before, so I wasn't sure whether to watch it or not.

[TonyV]

Not interested in someone committing suicide

[Bathsheba]

It was far more than that, Tony V

[Mamyalynne]

We are all entitled to our viewpoint, I found him a fascinating man.


There was one moment when I saw a particular look in his eye and I knew I had seen that self same expression before, when my late husband was diagnosed as terminal - I could almost taste the fear of what was to be.

[Mamyalynne]

Sorry went all personal then , just wondered what others thought of the general handling of the topic.

[woofgang]

I couldn’t watch it, too close to home. I am totally unconfused about the issue though. Its my life and my choice.

[woofgang]

Should add I have seen people dying from MND.

[Mamyalynne]

I almost didn't watch.

[anneasquith]

Very well presented. His attempted suicide at ho me was "glossed "" over I felt. But I'm assuming it must have been horrendous for him a¡nd his family as they changed their point of view after it. I felt a great sense of relief for him following his death.

[Mamyalynne]

Yes Anne, I agree his attempt at hanging himself given his weakened state must have had a great impact on how they felt.


I found it almost impossible to put myself into his wife's position.

[Bathsheba]

Mamya,....I was amazed at how she managed to smile and look so calm.
I thought it was a powerful film.

Baths
x x

[ChillDoubt]

Didn't see it but from the posts here I can roughly guess the content.

As an NHS worker I find it frankly abhorrent when pro-life doctors and campaigners play god and decide that a person of sound mind but terminally ill body is denied the right to elect for a dignified death, at a time and manner of their choosing.

[Mamyalynne]

A very valid point Chill , each and every day someone goes heavily assisted by Morphine or similar but because it is not pre arranged it is not considered in the same way.


Even I am unsure about changing legislation to a point but this case proved yet again to me that more would choose this path if they didn't have to leave the comfort of their home surroundings.

[Mamyalynne]

Baths , yes despite her fears and sadness she kept her dignity and her love for him shone through.

[Bathsheba]

Good point well made Chill :)

Baths
x x

[carolegif]

Had a friend with MND who fought until the end. Never gave in and died on a summers day sitting on his balcony looking across the sea. We all thought it was a lovely way to go.

[Barsel]

I found it very enlightening and was pleased I watched it. I've always believed in assisted suicide and I hope that one day it will be available to us without having to travel to another country to do this.x