PEAK PERFORMANCEOngoing practice

The Right to Die with Dignity Framework

Dying with dignity

Problem it solves

Individuals and organizations that struggle with the right to die with dignity framework, lacking a clear and actionable framework to diagnose root causes and take systematic improvement steps.

Best for

Countries with inadequate end-of-life care

Not ideal for

Countries with already established right to die with dignity laws

Overview

Why this framework exists

This framework proposes that individuals should have the right to die with dignity, and that this right should be protected by law. The author argues that this is a moral imperative, and that it is essential for ensuring that individuals can control their own end-of-life care.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Individuals should have the right to die with dignity.
  2. This right should be protected by law.
  3. Individuals should be able to control their own end-of-life care.

Steps

3 steps
  1. Implement right to die with dignity laws
    Countries should implement laws that protect the right to die with dignity, and ensure that individuals can control their own end-of-life care.
    Pro tipLook to countries like Switzerland as a model for implementing right to die with dignity laws.
    WarningImplementing right to die with dignity laws can be complex and may require significant changes to existing laws and regulations.
  2. Improve end-of-life care
    Countries should improve end-of-life care, including palliative care and hospice services.
    Pro tipConsider investing in digital health technologies to improve end-of-life care.
    WarningImproving end-of-life care can be challenging and may require significant investments.
  3. Increase public awareness
    Countries should increase public awareness about the importance of the right to die with dignity, and the need for laws that protect this right.
    Pro tipConsider launching public awareness campaigns to educate individuals about the importance of the right to die with dignity.
    WarningIncreasing public awareness can be challenging and may require significant investments.

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
Switzerland's right to die with dignity laws

Switzerland has laws that protect the right to die with dignity, and has become a model for other countries to follow.

OutcomeSwitzerland has seen significant improvements in end-of-life care, and has become a leader in protecting the right to die with dignity.
Australia's inadequate right to die with dignity laws

Australia has inadequate laws that protect the right to die with dignity, and has seen significant disparities in end-of-life care.

OutcomeAustralia has seen significant declines in end-of-life care, and has become an example of what not to do in terms of protecting the right to die with dignity.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not implementing right to die with dignity laws
Not implementing right to die with dignity laws can lead to significant disparities in end-of-life care, and can exacerbate existing health inequalities.
Not improving end-of-life care
Not improving end-of-life care can lead to inadequate care for individuals at the end of life, and can limit their ability to control their own care.
Not increasing public awareness
Not increasing public awareness about the importance of the right to die with dignity can lead to a lack of understanding about the need for laws that protect this right.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The author was inspired by the example of David Goodall, who was forced to travel to Switzerland to end his life with dignity due to inadequate laws in his home country of Australia.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Lifespan Why we age{u2014}and why we don't have to
David A Sinclair · 2020
Open source →