In the second episode of the series, Andrew Denton meets Liz, a dynamic, entrepreneurial woman in her 40s who has cancer – and who's been told she has months to live. Liz wants to have control over how she dies but, because there is no law for assisted dying in Australia, she has to live, and possibly die, outside the law. What's it like to live in fear that your death may incriminate the ones you love? That your only solution is to die alone?
Liz talks Andrew through the pain and fear of facing death without the embrace of society. She describes how her pain has progressed beyond the prospect of any relief, and how the refusal of her doctor to support an application to Switzerland's Dignitas euthanasia clinic has led her to illegally seek the lethal drug Nembutal – a drug she has to test for purity in her kitchen.
Distraught, Liz phones assisted dying advocate, doctor Rodney Syme for guidance and reassurance – not only that the drug will be effective and painless, but that her loved ones will be able to be present should she use it.
Listen to the episode here. What'd you think?
Please note: this podcast is not about suicide. If you are interested in increasing your understanding of suicide and how to support someone experiencing suicidal ideation, visit the Conversations Matter or beyondblue websites.
If you (or someone you know) require immediate assistance, contact one of the following 24/7 crisis support services: Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), MensLine (1300 78 99 78), beyondblue (1300 22 4636), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or eheadspace (1800 650 890).