I'd rather die alone in my own bed, not in health care

Former nun, 56, fights for assisted suicide

- SEAN MURPHY

A HISTORIC first Oireachtas meeting about legalising assisted dying was held yesterday while an end-of-life campaigner who is confined to bed has spoken of the importance of implementing it. 

Former nun Kate Tobin, 56, who wants to end her life due to debilitating multiple sclerosis, said it would give people in end-of-life situations their dignity back.

Senators and Dail TDs met yesterday to discuss possible legislation for assisted suicide, which is currently an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

Kate, who used to work as a palliative care nurse, said of the meeting yesterday: "I would love to see Ireland be the first country to return to genuine caring for people but I don't think that we will."

She added: "We no longer give people dignity in life or in death. We have lost our ability to care.