Mayflies

So all the criticisms of them accompanying Tully to Switzerland are misplaced then, because it's allowed?

My sister's friend was given a year last Christmas, she ended up refusing to eat or drink and died. No one got into trouble, the GP knew her decision to end her life this way. Her family were distraught and tried to talk her out of it, but to no avail. Assisted dying would of been a lot easier for her, she was only 60 yrs old and her children and grandchildren had to watch her. They could of got a maximum of 14 years imprisonment here in N.I for helping her at all, same in England and Wales. Scotland has luckily moved on a bit further, but everywhere and everyone needs this to change and fast.

I wonder why Scotland is more enlightened than England.

Volver wrote:

"So all the criticisms of them accompanying Tully to Switzerland are misplaced then, because it's allowed?"

A good drama shows a variety of experiences and makes us evaluate them.

Caleo

Volver wrote:

"So all the criticisms of them accompanying Tully to Switzerland are misplaced then, because it's allowed?"

A good drama shows a variety of experiences and makes us evaluate them.

A drama set in Scotland, about Scottish people, adhering to Scottish laws and mores, does not have to explain what would happen if it was set in England. Any more than it has to explain what would happen if it was set in Zanzibar.

Yes, I don't understand why it was questioned

But, Volver, the important theme in the story was assisted dying as set against a back story of loving friendship. This theme affects people in England and Wales more than in enlightened Scotland.

Its important for people in Zanzibar too I expect. And France and Canada, and anywhere else you can think of. But this program is set in Scotland, and there's no compulsion to show how it would have happened in any other country.

Ever wonder why some of us think England expects more of Scotland that we can sensibly be expected to give?

Don't normally watch anything too sad, as I prefer my entertainment to be more upbeat. But this was superbly scripted and acted. A very emotional journey brought to life.

Very very good, yes sad. I suspect it would hit a nerve with somebody in a similar situation or knowing of someone suffering in a same way. If that was the case with myself, I wouldn’t have watched it.

Volver wrote:

"Ever wonder why some of us think England expects more of Scotland that we can sensibly be expected to give?"

Every person with a soul has to aspire to something gooder , truer, and more beautiful.

I thought it was a highly enjoyable, thought provoking programme. As someone who reads the news, I was aware that in England you can be prosecuted for assisted dying even if it is abroad. However, it is GN that made the point that it is different in Scotland.
I am happy with the play's content but it might have been a good idea for the BBC to make clear that you could be prosecuted or directed people to a link where they could read the issues. I'd be surprised though if anybody made the sort of decision to help someone die without finding out for themselves the repercussions.

Yes, I watched it all in one night. I thought it was excellent. It had me bawling my eyes out.

Loved it. Yes, sad, but very thought-provoking both about assisted dying and about relationships

I’ve not watched it, as it’s too close to home given the last 12 months in my life. I read the reviews and followed this discussion with interest.
I have no problem with dramatic licence. It sounds to have covered the assisted dying debate well. I’m in England. I could well have done something illegal had my husband’s suffering continued. It wouldn’t have been possible to go to Abroad, or even leave the hospital.

What an excellent production this was and the acting was superb. Def deserves to win awards in my view. Hopefully it has opened up discussions in many households about peoples end of life wishes - something which many of us don’t discuss with our loved ones.

I agree with above comments about how cruel it is that people have to go to Switzerland too early. My best friend lived in Oregon, USA and they have assisted suicide. When her terminal cancer symptoms became too unpleasant for her she went down this route. She was able to plan her farewell near where she lived (in a tepee in the field where she stabled her horse - she was an aging hippy right to the end!) and I flew over and together with her family and friends we were all there when she took the medication. It was very moving and emotional and she went how she wanted to go. I have since joined Dignity in Dying and support them with trying to change the UK laws.

I watched it last night on my own. It was very upsetting but I could completely relate to his wife's feelings etc. Maybe a bit soon for me to watch it after all I went through in 2022 with my lovely husband, dying of the evil prostate cancer. But it was so well written and the flashbacks to the music of the 80"s was brilliant.

Is anyone posting opposed to assisted dying? I can’t see any reason not to move towards this.

GardenofEngland, it must have been hard for you to watch. I am so sorry. Perhaps not the time to ask, so please ignore if you'd rather- but how do you think he would have reacted. Horrified, upset, or not?

The comment about Zanzibar makes no sense. This was shown on UK TV, and the vast majority of people would not have been aware at all that organising or accompanying a spouse/partner/friend would be likely to lead to hard police questioning, and even prosecution and loss of job (if nurse/doctor/teacher/civil servant, etc) in other parts of the UK.

Hands up any GNetter from Zanzibar, please?

I found it thoroughly moving and informative. Not prepared to let the debate here detract from that.

Fleurpepper

GardenofEngland, it must have been hard for you to watch. I am so sorry. Perhaps not the time to ask, so please ignore if you'd rather- but how do you think he would have reacted. Horrified, upset, or not?

The comment about Zanzibar makes no sense. This was shown on UK TV, and the vast majority of people would not have been aware at all that organising or accompanying a spouse/partner/friend would be likely to lead to hard police questioning, and even prosecution and loss of job (if nurse/doctor/teacher/civil servant, etc) in other parts of the UK.

Like it or not, it was set in Scotland and reflected Scottish law.

As Elsa might say, "Let it go"

Should any one wish to understand the issues better, and join in the fight for people in the UK to have end of life choice, please look up

Dignity in Dying

Iam very sorry if I 'assumed' wrong. I would have thought that anyone who, for any reason, is affected by the concept and realities of Assisted Dying, would feel that it is very important that facts, in a play or book, are pictured with accuracy, and without major elements not portrayed
I think it is entirely understandable for someone whose DH died just a matter of weeks ago, might find this subject too close to home.
Tact and sensitivity seem to be in short supply.