Yahoo News British-born scientist, 104, flying to Swiss euthanasia clinic because he regrets living so long
A British-born scientist who is 104 is flying to Switzerland next week to end his life at a euthanasia clinic.
Australia’s oldest scientist, Dr David Goodall, who was born in London, doesn’t have a terminal illness but says he regrets living for so long.
The former university lecturer says his quality of life has continued to deteriorate in recent years.
He told ABC News: “I greatly regret having reached that age.
“I’m not happy. I want to die. It’s not sad particularly. What is sad is if one is prevented.
MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO
‘Baby-faced’ 16-year-old jailed after stabbing a man in the heart in broad daylight
Elderly woman, 95, likely to die from brain haemorrhage after being splashed by passing cars
The longest direct flight in the world is about to launch from Singapore to New York
Abandoned newborn baby Pearl found dead in woodland was ‘covered in animal bites’
Watch amazing video of surfer breaking the record for riding the world’s biggest wave
“If one chooses to kill oneself, then that should be fair enough. I don’t think anyone else should interfere.”
The botanist and ecologist was born in London in 1914 and went to Australia in 1948, becoming a lecturer at the University of Melbourne.
He celebrated his 104th birthday a month ago and now plans to fly business class to Switzerland to end his life.
Voluntary euthanasia laws have yet to be passed in West Australia and would only be applicable to those with a terminal illness.
Dr Goodall told Seven News: “My feeling is that an old person like myself should have full citizenship rights, including the right of assisted suicide.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up so Dr Goodall can travel to Switzerland in business class rather than economy.
He is expected to leave Perth for Switzerland in the coming days.
He will be accompanied by his friend, and the West Australian co-ordinator of pro-euthanasia non-profit organisation Exit International, Carol O’Neil.
