A 104-year-old Australian academic is heading to the other side of the world to kill himself because he can not access euthanasia in his home country.
David Goodall says his quality of life has declined significantly and it's now time to go, despite the fact that he does not have a terminal illness, the Guardian reports.
He's unhappy at his advanced age and says there is very little left for him to look forward to.
"I greatly regret having reached that age," he told Australia's ABC on his birthday in April 2018.
"I'm not happy. I want to die. It's not sad particularly. What is sad is if one is prevented."
Professor Goodall has now made an appointment with an assisted dying agency in Basel, Switzerland and will travel there to undertake the procedure.
Assisted suicide is illegal in Australia, but Victoria will allow those with a terminal illness, of sound mind and with a life expectancy under six months to undertake the procedure from June 2019.
Pro euthanasia group Exit International is helping Professor Goodall make the trip and has raised AU$17,000 (NZ$18,224) to help him and a helper make it overseas.
"All rational adults deserve a peaceful death at a time of their choosing," the group said on their website.
"Forcing the 'well' elderly to travel overseas is exporting a problem, rather than addressing a growing social need."
Newshub.
Where to find help and support:
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Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
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Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
