Living an ‘unwanted second life’: One man’s fight to die with dignity – Stuff.co.nz

Each breath Bernard Willems takes is a battle. Even connectedto oxygen 24/7, his speech is punctuated with pauses and gaspsand he can barely walk more than a few metres without struggling.

Two and a half years ago, the 77-year-old was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and incurable lung disease marked by stiffening and scarring of the lung tissue. At diagnosis, he was told he hadtwo to three years to live.

Earlier this year,Willems'condition deteriorated to the extent thathe tried to take his own life.

Chris McKeen

Bernard Willems, 77, is living with an incurable and progressive lung disease which robs him of the ability to breathe properly. He is telling his story to give people 'food for thought' in the euthanasia debate.

The Auckland man wantsto "die with dignity"through assisted dying something which could be afforded toNew Zealanders following the passing of the End of Life Choice Bill in Parliament this week.

READ MORE:*Parliamentary report on End of Life Choice Bill weighs 40,000 public submissions* MPs get emotional at End of Life Choice Bill reading* Palliative care specialists reject End of Life Choice bill

MPs voted in favour of the bill 69 votes to 51 on Wednesday evening, sending the final decision to a referendum at the 2020 general election.

If it were made law,the billwould allow a person with "terminal illness that is likely to end the person's life within six months"to request euthanasia.

It will be too late for Willems, butif it were law tomorrow hewouldn't waste a day without applying, he says.

IAIN MCGREGOR

The End of Life Choice bill passed its third reading in Parliament this week, 69 votes to 51. The final decision will go to the New Zealand public in a referendum.

The Dutch expat's mind is sharpand he still boastsa wicked sense of humour, but his liferevolves around his illness. While he isn't in pain, just being awake and struggling to breathe is a "nightmare".

In February, he was well enough totravelthe length of New Zealand alone.

By July, just weeks after handing over the reinsof hiscommercial and residential interiors company to a new owner, Willemswas admitted to a hospice for palliative (end of life) care.

In the months following, his condition and quality of lifeworsened, landing him back in hospicein October.

Willemsis back at home on the North Shore, where he lives aloneabove his former business, and receivesdaily help toshowerand getdressed.

MONIQUE FORD/STUFF

ACT party leader David Seymour first introduced the End of Life Choice Bill in 2017. (file photo)

He says he will be lucky to see the new year.

Willemssees it as his duty to share his "unwanted second life" with people tohelp the discussion around assisted dying.

Advocates for the bill, like Willems, want the right to die on their own terms.But the highly emotive bill drew criticism that assisted dying would'erode the trust' between doctor and patient.

Opponents have also raised concerns about coercion, saying the bill lacks proper safeguards to protect vulnerable people frompressure to choose assisted dying.

Under the bill, the patient must suggest assisted dying, andmake a request to their doctor who can conscientiously object.

Palliative care specialists are among those who oppose the bill, andNew Zealand Medical Association isopposed to doctor-assisted suicide, which it regards as "unethical".

But Willemsis unwavering.

He says his sister died in hospice in Holland following a battle with breast cancer 12 years ago where, surrounded by friends, she "pushed the button herself" when it was time to go.

Willems, an "independent, stubborn old Dutchman", says it is a person's human right to make the decision she did.

"Those against [the bill], if in my situation for a day, would change their minds very quickly."

WHERE TO GET HELP

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, call 111.

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 24/7for support from a trained counsellor

Lifeline(open 24/7) - 0800 543 354

Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757

Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

Youthline(open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or emailtalk@youthline.co.nz

Read more here:

Living an 'unwanted second life': One man's fight to die with dignity - Stuff.co.nz