Goodall’s decision is reigniting a debate about euthanasia in Australia where assisted suicide is illegal

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Australia’s oldest scientist, who caused a stir when his university tried to vacate his office aged 102, will fly to Switzerland in early May to end his life, reigniting a national euthanasia debate. David Goodall, who is now 104, does not have a terminal illness but his quality of life has deteriorated and he has secured a fast-track appointment with an assisted dying agency in Basel, euthanasia advocates said. Prof. David Goodall, who lives in West Australia, celebrated his birthday last month, but told ABC that he “greatly (regrets) having reached that age.”

Goodall, who still does academic work after more than 70 years as an ecologist, told the outlet that he plans on flying to France to see family before going to Basel, Switzerland, to end his life. When asked whether he had a nice birthday, he told the news organization: “No, I’m not happy. However, the scientist said he is ready to die and that his health is steadily declining. What is sad is if one is prevented.”

A fundraising campaign by Exit International to upgrade Goodall’s flight class for the long journey from Perth, along with that of his helper, had exceeded its target of 15,000 Australian dollars (9,368 euros). What is sad is if one is prevented.”

The group refers to what is commonly called assisted suicide -- when a person chooses to end his or her life with the help of another person, often a doctor -- as “rational suicide” or “voluntary euthanasia.”

Victoria is the only state in Australia where assisted suicide is legal. Assisted suicide is illegal in most countries around the world and was banned in Australia until the state of Victoria became the first to legalize the practice last year. The Australian state of Victoria has passed a law to allow assisted suicide, but it does not take effect until June 2019 and only applies to terminally ill patients under certain conditions. Other states in Australia have debated euthanasia in the past, but the proposals have always been defeated, mostly recently in New South Wales state last year. Exit International, which is helping Goodall make the trip, said it was unjust that one of Australia’s “oldest and most prominent citizens should be forced to travel to the other side of the world to die with dignity.”

“A peaceful, dignified death is the entitlement of all who want it. "And a person should not be forced to leave home to achieve it.”

It is unclear when Goodall will travel to Switzerland.
David W. Goodall, an Australian scientist aged 104, announces his intention to travel assisted by Exit International to Switzerland to end his own life. Goodall is not terminally ill but says his quality of life has deteriorated with age.