Philip and Clare are on opposing sides on the problem of assisted dying.
Now, the pair meet one another for the primary time to let the nation watch them debate.
Warning: This text incorporates descriptions of assisted dying and suicide all through
Meet Clare
My identify’s Clare and I dwell on a farm in North Devon. I’ve received two fabulous daughters, Chloe and Izzy. I’ve stage 4 breast most cancers.
I have been campaigning for the assisted dying invoice [Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill] to cross by way of Parliament. I am trying ahead to assembly Philip. I hope it isn’t going to be an argument.
Meet Philip
The identify’s Philip, and I am from the Midlands the place I dwell with my spouse Pauline. I used to be given six months to dwell final 12 months, I ought to be useless proper now.
I’ve received pancreatic most cancers. I am in opposition to assisted dying – or assisted suicide, as I name it. I really feel terribly sorry for Clare. I would like no person to be struggling.
The pair meet in Bristol – midway between their addresses.
After greeting with a hug, Philip tells Clare his mom died of most cancers when he was a younger teenager.
Philip: She stated, ‘God, please both heal me or take me.’ I realised that my mum will need to have believed and trusted in God. Now I maintain saying to the physician that I pray God will cease the most cancers rising.
Clare: I believe I am related about Mom Earth. While I am not a Christian, I’ve all the time had this acceptance and understanding that I am a part of a pure cycle.
I haven’t got that have to combat dying as a lot as I am listening to from you.
Philip: I am not conscious of preventing, as a result of in my phrases, it might be a sheer waste of time.
Clare tells Philip she would love a “good death”.
Clare: In my backyard, with my daughters, ideally one in all them enjoying her guitar – it is my paradise. I wish to have the selection, whether or not I took it up or not on the final minute, at a time and place of my selecting, when dying is shut, to have the ability to take one thing to hasten my dying.
Philip: There might be a treatment for what you and I’ve received, however we simply do not know. You do not know what miracle is across the nook, and in the event you commit suicide, you are robbing your self of that chance.
Clare: It is just about gone to all my bones, aside from my arms and toes.
Philip: Horrible.
Clare: Then there’s additionally the remedy. Did you’ve got any Docetaxels?
Philip: I am very grateful I’ve refused all of it.
Clare: Have you ever not had any chemotherapy?
Philip: I’ve had nothing.
Philip warns Clare that if the Terminally In poor health Adults Invoice is authorised, weak individuals might be pressured into taking their very own life. He’d moderately go away his dying in God’s arms.
Philip: I wish to do what God says. So, I am in opposition to assisted dying on these rules of the truth that it doesn’t matter what safeguards you place in, you are breaking, what I perceive to be God’s plan and goal.
Clare: Once I received my analysis, the very first thing I stated to my marketing consultant was, “well, thank goodness I can take my own life”. I would been very constant, and I used to be alone within the room, no person else with me. And I believe I am a type of vibrant, clever individual.
Philip: I did not say you were not.
Clare: I actually perceive the facility of coercive management, the insidious nature of it.
Philip: I really feel sorry for the poor suckers who’re with you.
Clare: My daughters?
Philip: They have to dwell with the truth that you died and so they allow you to.
Clare: My daughters are utterly supportive of assisted dying.
Clare says dying ought to be a private selection.
Clare: It isn’t about different individuals with terminal life-limiting illness or individuals with disabilities. It is purely an choice for Clare Turner.
Philip: In the event that they alter the regulation for Clare Turner, they have to change it for everyone.
Clare: For the time being, over 300 individuals with terminal diseases take their very own life in fairly depressing conditions, very often alone, yearly.
Philip: It is monetary. If it is costing a whole bunch of hundreds to take care of you, simply assume what we may save if we bumped 20 of you off.
Clare: I discover that fairly offensive, Philip.
Clare: I suppose I am simply not a cynical individual.
Philip: I am not a cynical individual. I am dealing with actuality. I see the way it’s been utilized in different nations.
Present me Canada and Belgium have by no means altered their legal guidelines on the subject of assisted suicide. You’ll be able to’t. They’ve altered them completely.
Earlier than they are saying goodbye, Clare presents Philip honey made by bees that go to her backyard.
Philip provides Clare a field of goodies known as Heroes.
“Anybody who is battling with cancer is a hero not to quit,” he says.
Within the US, name the Samaritans department in your space or 1 (800) 273-TALK
