By Mark Ogagan
A South African woman, Carol de Swardt, has traveled to Switzerland, and will be euthanized (a form of assisted death) today according to her wishes.
According to reports, Carol, once a lively woman who loved the outdoors and adventure, was living in debilitating pain due to skin cancer that was diagnosed in 2010.
The cancer has since spread to other parts of her body.
She is also disabled after one leg had to be amputated as a result of what later seemed to be excessive radiation treatment she had received in a state hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.
The High Court in Pietermaritzburg, in KwaZulu Natal province ordered the Health Department in 2020 to pay her more than R4m in compensation for damages.
She used some of that money to pay for her assisted death.
Her son, Donovan, and daughter, who wishes to remain anonymous, have accepted her decision.
The 63-year-old Carol will be euthanized in Switzerland on Wednesday, where she has the right to choose when to die. She chose the Swiss option because assisted suicide is illegal in South Africa.
According to the campaign for Dignity in Dying, Switzerland has since 1942 allowed assisted suicide as long as the motives are not selfish.
All forms of euthanasia are against the law.
“We believe everybody has the right to a good death. Including the option of assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults.”
Dignity in Dying said on their website.
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