Brittany Maynard's death with dignity

Ms. Brittany Maynard died on Nov. 1, 2014, by death with dignity as she had decided. She was only 29 years old.

She was explained by a doctor as diagnosis of brain tumor and having half a year of mortality on April 2013. She had been given a brain surgery but was still suffering from severe headache. She and her husband made every efforts to ease her life, extending the days of living and lessening the agony. The conclusion of their discussion was to move to Oregon, where death with dignity had been legalized.

The Washington Post: Brittany Maynard, as promised, ends her life at 29

She devoted her rest life into the activity to broaden the concept of death with dignity. Her statements and videos caused broad argument.

The Brittany Maynard Fund

She decided Nov 1 as her last day. In her comment, she would never commit suicide and might cancel the decision if she would change her mind. At last, the day has come.

CNN: My right to death with dignity at 29

I was so impressed to her words. I pray for her.

Death with dignity is also discussed in Japan. I agree with this concept basically. However, there are some elements not to be overlooked.

First, most people cannot prepare for the death, in my experience. In not a few cases in which the prognosis delivered by a doctor is incorrect. If you survive a year in spite of the prediction of three months mortality, how do you feel? Physicians always make the best efforts to prolong the life of the patients. It is not true that promised death is always satisfactory.

Second, many patients get depressed in a serious condition. They may deem their rest lives too pessimistic. It is difficult to respect the words of such patients as their sincere will. Furthermore, the condition is getting worse gradually.

Third, we should not blame the people who cannot accept the death. You may want to say good bye to your lovers. Not being satisfied, however, it is also a natural course of life. In the future, death with dignity will become more common. Nonetheless, many people will struggle for more life, even if their desires look ridiculous at a glance. It is also a destiny of the human.