‘My wife told doctors one powerful thing before assisted death at Dignitas’

A husband recounts the extraordinary experience of being by his wife’s side as she chose assisted death at Dignitas, a clinic in Switzerland, amidst ongoing debates about the Assisted Dying bill in parliament. Dave Sowry, 68, shares the story of his wife Christy Barry, whom he met on a dating site in 2002, and how their lives took a dramatic turn when Christy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As Christy’s health declined rapidly over the years, her decision to apply for Dignitas membership in February 2022 brought relief amidst unbearable suffering.

After a lengthy process and receiving the ‘green light’ from Dignitas in August, Christy chose to expedite her chosen date and turned it into a meaningful holiday in Switzerland for the couple. The final moments leading up to Christy’s assisted death were filled with calmness, certainty, and a sense of return to nature, as she peacefully passed away with Dave by her side. Reflecting on the experience, Dave emphasised the importance of having the choice to die on one’s own terms, a sentiment he hopes will be supported by the new Assisted Dying Bill currently under debate in parliament.

The Assisted Dying Bill, if passed, will allow terminally ill individuals with less than six months to live the right to choose to end their lives, with strict safeguards in place to ensure eligibility and prevent abuse. Dave’s advocacy for the bill stems from his desire to honour Christy’s wishes and spare others from similar suffering. As the bill progresses through parliament, Dave remains hopeful that the option of choice in end-of-life decisions will be made available to those in need.

In conclusion, the heartfelt account shared by Dave highlights the complexities and emotional weight involved in end-of-life decisions, urging for compassion, understanding, and the necessity of providing individuals with autonomy over their choices in such deeply personal matters. The ongoing discussions surrounding assisted dying legislation serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between respecting individuals’ wishes and ensuring proper safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable individuals.