Why Margaret Has Chosen To Be One Of The First Victorians To Access Assisted Dying

Victorian Marg Ragmore has chosen to take control of her death and she says it brings her relief. 

The 60-year-old retired nurse is choosing to be one of the first Victorians to apply for the state’s voluntary assisted dying programme.

She’s spoken to the Hit Network about her decision to take her own life, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

After a long career as a nurse, she's seen people suffer the devastating affects of illness. She's also already experienced radiation therapy and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with bowel cancer five years ago.

Armed with this knowledge, she’s made the decision to take control of her passing, for her own piece of mind and her family's: 

“Even though my daughter is a nurse, she’s scared enough, she’s sad enough. Me making her more sad by telling her my fears, it’s not something I want to do.”

She said knowing how her final days will be brings her a lot of comfort – particularly as she doesn’t know how her cancer will progress and affect her.

“Having the comfort that there’s a plan B, it’s unbelievable.”

“It’ll be me making the decision, it’ll be me taking this final step… it’ll be me taking control.”

Listen to her story here:

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More information on voluntary assisted dying is available here.

If you are troubled by this report you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.com.au