We all know that suicide is a huge problem worldwide. It is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages, according to SAVE.org. But what do we know about assisted suicide? Assisted suicide is the practice of ending a life to relieve the pain and suffering associated with an incurable illness usually with the help from a physician. It is legal in a several countries and a few states in the United States: Washington, Oregon, Vermont, Montana and California.
The movie, "Me Before You," brings light to the subject of assisted suicide. Will Traynor, one of the main characters of the movie, was a successful and extremely active man before injuries from a motorcycle accident prevented him from any activity ever again. His wheelchair-bound disability changed his perspective on life and he becomes disgruntled and gloomy. However, he agrees to allow his mother six months to prove that his life is worth living. She hires Louisa Clark, a cheerful young woman, believing she can brighten Will's spirits.
With Will’s current state of mind, the relationship starts off on a rocky road. Over time, Will opens up to Louisa and they share new and fun experiences together. She plans exciting adventures for the two including a trip to a beautiful island. We watch as the two fall in love and Will seems to be happy. Things are looking good for the two until it is time to prepare for the island trip.
Will, it seems, intends to follow up on his plan to end his life with the aid of a Swiss-based assisted suicide organization. He tells Louisa that while the time they have spent together has been wonderful, he still cannot bear the life the accident has given him and asks if she would be go with him to Switzerland to end his life.
Confused and angry, Louisa tells him “no” and resigns as his caretaker/companion. Then she realizes that if she actually loves him, she should be there for him and agrees to go along on his suicide mission.
So how is assisted suicide any different from regular suicide? Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Reasons vary from treatable medical conditions that include depression, bipolar disorder and alcoholism to compulsive acts related to stress from financial difficulties to relationships or bullying.
Assisted suicide or Euthanasia involves assisting the termination of the life of someone having an incurable disease out of concern and compassion for that person’s suffering. The movie makes the act seem normal and okay to do. It promotes the idea that death is better, even nobler, than living with a disability.
How does that make people with disabilities feel? Discouraged to say the least. It's a violation of human dignity to encourage the option of taking your life when no incurable illness is present. With treatment, therapy and accommodations, it is possible to overcome or reduce the effects of certain disabilities. There are also ways one might overcome the mental anguish associated with disabilities. In the movie, Louisa did help Will enjoy life for a time; he was just not willing to go on with her plan on a long term basis.
