July 3rd 2024.
Antonya Cooper's heart-wrenching journey began when her son Hamish was just five years old. He was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. Despite their family's unwavering hope and determination, Hamish's condition continued to deteriorate. And at the tender age of seven, he tragically passed away in his own home on December 1, 1981.
As a mother, Antonya could not bear to see her son suffer any longer. In an act of love and mercy, she made the difficult decision to administer a large dose of morphine to Hamish to ease his pain and bring him peace. She shared with BBC Radio Oxford, "He was in a lot of pain towards the end, and I gave him a dose of morphine that quietly ended his life." However, her actions have since sparked an investigation by Thames Valley Police.
In a statement, the police stated that they are "making enquiries" into the incident. They are aware of reports surrounding the "apparent case of assisted dying" of a seven-year-old boy in 1981. At this time, they are not able to provide further comments as their investigations are ongoing.
Reflecting on her final moments with her son, Antonya recalled the heartbreaking conversation they had in the middle of the night. Hamish expressed his pain, and she asked him if he wanted her to take it away. He replied, "Yes please, Mama," and she administered the morphine through his Hickman catheter. She explained, "We had watched him brave through all that beastly treatment, we had had him for longer than the original prognosis, so the time was right."
It should be noted that euthanasia, intentionally ending someone's life to relieve their suffering, is illegal in England and can be prosecuted as murder or manslaughter. The Crown Prosecution Service must follow specific guidelines when determining if a prosecution should be pursued. When asked by BBC if she understood the potential consequences of her actions, Antonya bravely replied that she did and was willing to face them. She also shared that she is now living with her own incurable cancer and has joined the assisted dying clinic Dignitas.
The topic of assisted dying has been a highly debated and controversial one, with advocates pushing for a change in the law. Prominent figures such as broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby and presenter Dame Prue Leith have spoken out on the issue, calling for open and constructive conversations. In December, Dame Esther Rantzen, who is battling stage 4 lung cancer, revealed that she has joined Dignitas and is advocating for a free vote on assisted dying in Parliament.
On the other hand, there are concerns from those who oppose a change in the law. They fear that legalizing assisted dying could put vulnerable individuals at risk of feeling pressure to end their lives, especially those who are disabled, elderly, sick, or struggling with mental health issues.
In the midst of this ongoing debate, Antonya Cooper stands by her decision to peacefully end her son's suffering. She also holds onto hope that one day, the law will change, and individuals who are suffering and have reached their end of life will have the option to choose a peaceful and dignified death. She bravely stated, "If they come 43 years after I have allowed Hamish to die peacefully, then I would have to face the consequences. But they would have to be quick because I'm dying too."
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