A devastated husband wants to help his wife die to finally “end her misery”.
Daniel Harris, 92, has been “driven to tears” watching the love of his life, Marion Harris, 90, battle severe dementia.
We previously reported how the Glasgow couple were born in the same tenement and celebrated 70 years married in March.
Now Daniel feels that living in a world without Marion would be extremely painful, but living in a world watching her suffer is even worse.
It comes as the condition robbed her of her independence leaving the once outgoing Marion unable to do anything but “sit in a chair” in a care home.
Daniel claims the mum-of-two has “begged” him to bring her home to die on her own terms as she knows her condition will only deteriorate further.
There is no specific crime of assisting a suicide in Scotland, but it is possible that helping a person to die could lead to prosecution for murder, culpable homicide or reckless endangerment.
Daniel wants euthanasia, the practice of ending the life of a patient to limit the patient's suffering, to become legal in Scotland for people like Marion.
Daniel told the Glasgow Times: “I miss my wife, it drives me to tears when I see her now, she isn’t Marion anymore.
“What quality of life is it when you can’t get dressed or undressed, and need toilet assistance because of dementia.
"Your difficulty in eating solids is such that you now exist mainly on a liquids diet.
“There comes a time in life it is merciful for some people to be put out their misery.
"She has begged me to bring her home to die. Despite her dementia she feels there is no point in living like this.
“It is inhumane to deny Marion the right to have her life terminated in order to end her misery.
“At 90-years-old she has had a really great life but now all she can do is sit in a chair, what is the point?”
Daniel first noticed something was wrong two years ago when Marion began to put two tops or two pairs of trousers on and became confused.
Her condition got worse and eventually went into a care home, although reluctant at first she soon settled in making friends and taking part in activities.
Sadly, this year after three bad falls in two months which left her face badly bruised, Daniel noticed her condition rapidly declined.
He has praised the “great” staff who look after his wife saying he has “no complaints at all” but still struggles to watch Marion suffer as her battle with dementia continues.
Daniel said: “Marion could continue for years like this and get even worse, I don’t want that for her, I want her to have the choice.
“I also want more people to talk about euthanasia and share their thoughts because it is something that affects us all eventually.”
The Glasgow Times wants to hear the experiences of terminally ill patients and their families who have strong opinions or experiences with euthanasia.
If you would like to share your thoughts or raise awareness, please contact: kirsty.feerick@newsquest.co.uk
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