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 an assisted suicide on September 4th. He suffers from bile duct cancer, an incurable form of the disease, which he was diagnosed with a few weeks ago. Glattauer is known for his weekly columns on educational topics, which he has written 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 any cost and that he saw his death as an opportunity to bring the issue of assisted suicide to public attention. This form of euthanasia was legalized in Austria as early as 2022, provided certain conditions are met, such as incurable illnesses and unbearable suffering.

In his remarks, Glattauer sharply criticized the Austrian health system. He describes himself as a “wooden 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 healthcare workers often do not 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 impending death is not a reason for sadness, but rather a step towards a self-determined end. He would like to shed more light on the topic of assisted suicide in Austria and draw attention to the challenges that terminally ill people experience. “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 on the morning of September 4th in pleasant company and wishes that he will be remembered as a funny and sincere person.

Assisted suicide in Austria has been permitted since January 1, 2022, but under strict conditions. The legal conditions state that those affected must be incurably or seriously chronically ill. Before it can be carried out, at least two consultations with doctors are required, one of which must be a palliative care specialist. After confirmation of the medical circumstances, there is a twelve-week waiting period that is intended to encourage the patient to reflect. In acute cases, this period can be shortened to two weeks. Glattauer decided on this path after careful consideration and hopes that his example will encourage others to also think about self-determined dying.

Criticism of the education system

Another aspect of his criticism is the Austrian education system. Glattauer points out that the integration of children who do not speak German is severely inadequate. As a teacher, he has always strived 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, need to be urgently addressed. Glattauer wants his words to be heard and stimulate reflection even after his death.

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

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