Niki Glattauer announces assisted suicide: a powerful farewell

Niki Glattauer announces assisted suicide: a powerful farewell

Niki Glattauer, a 66-year-old Viennese author, teacher and journalist, is planning a assisted suicide on September 4. He suffered from bile cancer, an incurable form of the disease that he was diagnosed a few weeks ago. Glattauer is known for his weekly columns on educational topics, which he has been for since 2019 Today writes. In a personal interview that serves as a legacy and wake -up call, he expressed that he did not want to live at all costs and that he sees his death as a way to put the topic of assisted suicide into public awareness. As early as 2022, this form of euthanasia was legalized in Austria, provided that certain requirements are met, such as incurable diseases and unbearable suffering.

In his statements, Glattauer sharply criticized the Austrian health system. He describes himself as a "wood-class patient" and criticizes the conditions in the overwhelmed hospitals and the lack of qualified nursing staff. In particular, he emphasizes the problems of two -class medicine, noting that many health care employees often have sufficient knowledge of German. According to Glattauer, this situation leads to inadequate care for patients who require clear communication.

A conscious farewell

For Glattauer, the upcoming death is not a reason for sadness, but a step towards a self -determined end. He wants to thoroughly illuminate the topic of assisted suicide in Austria and draw attention to the challenges that experience the incurable sick. "Cancer is not an enemy, I don't want to fight it," he explains and sees the disease as part of his life. Glattauer plans to die in a pleasant company in the morning of September 4th and wishes you to remember him as a funny and sincere person.

Assisted suicide in Austria has been allowed since January 1, 2022, but under strict requirements. The legal conditions state that those affected must be incurable or severely chronically ill. Before the implementation, at least two educational talks with doctors are required, with one of the doctors a palliative doctor. After confirming the medical circumstances, a twelve -week waiting period follows, which should encourage the patient to reflect. In acute cases, this period can be shortened to two weeks. After a careful consideration, Glattauer chose this path and wishes that his example encourages others to also think about self -determined dying.

Criticism of the education system

Another aspect of his criticism applies to the Austrian education system. Glattauer points out that the integration of children who do not speak German is very inadequate. As a teacher, he always tried to do good for children and sees it as his duty to address grievances and injustices. The social problems that he addresses are also reflected in his columns and, in his opinion, must be addressed urgently. Glattauer wants his words to be heard after his death and stimulate thought.

With these words and his upcoming decision, Niki Glattauer not only emphasizes the urgency of a reform in the health and education system, but also the importance of a self-determined life- to the end.

For more information about the processes and statistics on assisted suicide, visit Today.