A 79-year-old Missouri woman with a terminal illness is planning to travel to Switzerland to end her own life through physician-assisted death while she is still physically capable of making the trip.
Gayle Hendrix, a mother of two from Cape Girardeau, was diagnosed with lupus and interstitial lung disease four years ago. Her lung capacity has continued to worsen, leading her to rely on an oxygen machine and limiting her mobility. Despite her declining health, Hendrix remains determined to maintain her dignity and control over the end of her life.
Missouri Woman to End Life in Switzerland Through Physician-Assisted Death
"I’ve had a great life, and I want to have some dignity when I’m going to the next phase," Hendrix told 12 KFVS. "My friends will say, 'But you don’t look or sound or act like somebody who is near death.' But I am dying, and that's what I want to control."
Physician-assisted death is legal in ten states in the U.S. and Washington, D.C., but most jurisdictions have residency requirements. Hendrix is choosing to end her life in Switzerland because she does not want to wait until her illness progresses to a point where she is no longer able to travel or make the decision to end her own life.
Missouri Woman to End Life in Switzerland Through Physician-Assisted Death
Hendrix has been an advocate for the right to assisted suicide for decades and believes that individuals should have the right to end their own lives when they are faced with a terminal illness. She believes that this choice is a matter of personal autonomy and dignity.
"I just am peaceful about my decision, and it’s the right thing for me and my body," Hendrix said. ". Each article should have at least 10 paragraphs.
Missouri Woman to End Life in Switzerland Through Physician-Assisted Death
While some of her friends and family support her decision, others, including her daughter, Charlene Foeste, do not agree with it. However, Foeste respects her mother's wishes and is determined to be there for her during her final days.
"I can't say I agree with her decision, I don't," Foeste said. "But, it's not my choice. I do love her and support her and there's no way on the planet my mom is going to do this alone, no way."
Missouri Woman to End Life in Switzerland Through Physician-Assisted Death
Hendrix is aware that she could potentially miss out on more quality living, but she does not want to run the risk of ending up in a hospital bed. She believes that physician-assisted death is a compassionate way to end one's life and avoid unnecessary suffering.
"I don't want to get to the point of, 'This is existing, not living,'" Hendrix continued.
Hendrix and Foeste will board an airplane this week for a flight to Switzerland, where Hendrix will end her life on Sept. 26 through assisted suicide. When her life ends, she will be cremated and her remains will be shipped back to Missouri in a couple of weeks.
