A Short Stay in Switzerland2009

[Anne is discussing her planned suicide with the doctor from Dignitas]

Swiss Doctor:
The procedure will take place in our organisation's apartment. A trained volunteer will assist you. He will have to video you taking the medicine which I will prescribe.

Dr. Anne Turner:
[in a weak voice] Yes, I understand.

Swiss Doctor:
And your children will be with you.

Dr. Anne Turner:
To the end, yes. It's what they want.

Swiss Doctor:
Is it what *you* want, Dr Turner?

[Anne pauses for a long time]

Dr. Anne Turner:
I thought it was. Thought I knew for sure. But now I know something I didn't before coming here.

Swiss Doctor:
What is that?

Dr. Anne Turner:
I've broken their hearts.

Swiss Doctor:
By dying?

Dr. Anne Turner:
By dying.

Swiss Doctor:
You are honest. And your children, they are honest too?

Dr. Anne Turner:
They are, yes.

Swiss Doctor:
Then they are where they want to be - with you.

Dr. Anne Turner:
[in a strong voice] Practical matters. Is the taste horribly bitter?

Swiss Doctor:
It will be, yes.

Dr. Anne Turner:
Does it ever fail?

Swiss Doctor:
No, it never fails.

[the doctor signs a prescription for the barbiturate]

Swiss Doctor:
It is a strange thing you do today. It does require courage. You have it.