Renowned author Ian McEwan has called for assisted dying rights to be extended to dementia sufferers, a move he believes is long overdue. The British author made the statement during a public book event in London, where he discussed his latest novel, What We Can Know, which explores themes of climate change and the impact of technology on human life.
McEwan's comments came as a bill that would legalize assisted dying for adults with less than six months to live is facing opposition from some lawmakers. However, McEwan argues that those with dementia, who often suffer from physical pain and discomfort without access to end-of-life care options, are the ones missing from the current discussion.
"My mother used to say to me: 'If I ever become really terrible, I'd like you to finish me off,'" McEwan shared, highlighting his own personal experience with dementia. He believes that allowing individuals to make living wills and have control over their own end-of-life care could alleviate immense suffering for those affected by the condition.
The Atonement author also spoke about the potential adoption of social media bans in the UK, citing concerns about the impact of technology on childhood and mental health. McEwan expressed his desire to write a novel about this topic, which he believes explores the tension between solitude and connection in today's digital age.
In discussing climate change in What We Can Know, McEwan conveys a sense of hope that humanity can "scrape through" despite the dire circumstances. He also acknowledges the phenomenon of elderly pessimism, where individuals fear that the end of their life will mark the end of everything. For McEwan, his novel represents a counterbalance to this sentiment, offering an emotional and hopeful exploration of what it means to live with dignity in the face of uncertainty.
While the assisted dying bill faces significant opposition, McEwan's advocacy for dementia sufferers serves as a poignant reminder that those most vulnerable often require the greatest compassion and support.
McEwan's comments came as a bill that would legalize assisted dying for adults with less than six months to live is facing opposition from some lawmakers. However, McEwan argues that those with dementia, who often suffer from physical pain and discomfort without access to end-of-life care options, are the ones missing from the current discussion.
"My mother used to say to me: 'If I ever become really terrible, I'd like you to finish me off,'" McEwan shared, highlighting his own personal experience with dementia. He believes that allowing individuals to make living wills and have control over their own end-of-life care could alleviate immense suffering for those affected by the condition.
The Atonement author also spoke about the potential adoption of social media bans in the UK, citing concerns about the impact of technology on childhood and mental health. McEwan expressed his desire to write a novel about this topic, which he believes explores the tension between solitude and connection in today's digital age.
In discussing climate change in What We Can Know, McEwan conveys a sense of hope that humanity can "scrape through" despite the dire circumstances. He also acknowledges the phenomenon of elderly pessimism, where individuals fear that the end of their life will mark the end of everything. For McEwan, his novel represents a counterbalance to this sentiment, offering an emotional and hopeful exploration of what it means to live with dignity in the face of uncertainty.
While the assisted dying bill faces significant opposition, McEwan's advocacy for dementia sufferers serves as a poignant reminder that those most vulnerable often require the greatest compassion and support.
I think its super sad that people with dementia are missing from the conversation about end-of-life care 
. They're already struggling with so much physical pain & discomfort, it's only right they have control over their own lives 
. My grandma had dementia and she was literally living in her own world, but still wanted to die on her own terms 
. I wish more people like Ian McEwan would be speaking out for them 
. And btw, a novel about social media bans sounds like a really interesting idea 
. We need more books that explore the human side of technology, not just the tech itself 
I just cant believe we need to have this convo about people with dementia having assisted dying rights 
its like we shouldve had it by now. I mean, my grandma struggled with dementia for years & she went through so much pain & suffering without any way out. Its not right that some ppl are still fighting against giving them the option 2 make choices bout their own lives 
. We need more voices like McEwan speaking out about these issues and pushing for change. Social media bans, assisted dying rights... it's all about finding a balance between our need for human connection and the dangers of technology 
. I'm actually excited to read his new novel on this topic, sounds like it could be really thought-provoking 
. IT'S TIME FOR US TO TAKE ACTION AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE NOT JUST ABANDONED BY SOCIETY 
And then we'd have a whole bunch of cases where people are getting killed off by their loved ones or the state... no thanks. 
I don't think it's as simple as just saying "oh, I'm done with this life and I want to die". It sounds like we need more support systems for dementia sufferers instead of just giving them the option to end their lives. 
. Maybe we should focus on regulating it or something?
. I wish Ian McEwan had written a book about her experience, it would've helped so many people understand 
. We need to support our elderly and make sure they have access to quality care 
. I mean, on one hand, you got people suffering from dementia who are stuck in pain without any way out 
. Ian McEwan makes some valid points about the need to give them more control over their own end-of-life care 
. I'm not saying assisted dying is all bad, but we need to be super careful and make sure we're doing it right 
.
. But at the same time, I don't want to take away their freedom or limit their ability to connect with others 
.
. Ian McEwan's book What We Can Know is definitely thought-provoking 
.
u feel like they're stuck in limbo w/ no control over their own lives or death it's like, isn't that what we want 4 our loved ones?