Desmond Tutu, one of religion's most prominent leaders, has spoken up about his decision to support assisted death, particularly the rights of the terminally ill in ending their lives in a dignified manner.

In his piece published in the Observer, the retired Anglican archbishop stated that policies in preventing individuals from being aided to end their lives are an insult and a nuisance to affected patients and their families.

Like Us on Facebook

He has also spoken out against the "disgraceful" treatments and experiences that his old friend Nelson Mandela had to undergo, including various hospitalizations as well as a public photo shoot with politicians prior to his death.

Tutu has justified the need for a "mind shift" in the current debate for assisted dying and has written that he seeks to draw attention to the issue of dignity for the terminally ill.

He stated that he has spent most of his life working towards the preservation of the dignity of the living. Now, he prefers to apply such principle to the issue of dignity for the dying.

Despite the use of palliative care to ease one's death, Tutu emphasized the individual's right to autonomy and consciousness.

Tutu's intervention will be presented at the assisted dying debate in the House of Lords on Friday; the assisted dying bill was initially proposed by Lord Falconer, former Lord Chancellor.

Falconer's proposed law would officially permit doctors to provide lethal medication to patients who are terminally ill and are expected to live only up to six months or less.

So far, 110 peers have been recorded as the number of registered speakers.

This Saturday, former Canterbury archbishop Lord George Carey has also expressed his approval of the said bill.

On the other hand, present head of the Church of England Archbishop Justin Welby has asserted the church's traditional opposition towards any act that will jeopardize the principle of the sanctity of life.

As a response to the debate that has arisen relating to the assisted dying bill, Carlisle bishop Right Rev James Newcome has ordered a royal commission to further explore this crucial issue.

Tutu has noted that a debate will be carried out on Mandela Day this July 18 to discuss Falconer's bill.  He also asserted the need for South Africa to follow in the United Kingdom's footsteps in considering key changes in current policies.  

Tutu, who had been chairman of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, had been referred to by the late Mandela as "often tender, never afraid" and "will always be the voice of the voiceless". 

TagsDesmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, assisted dying bill