Author from Austria reveals intentions for assisted dying
Niki Glattauer, a renowned Austrian author known for his 12 award-winning books and long-standing columns in Kurier and Heute newspapers, has announced his plan to end his life through assisted suicide.
Glattauer's decision comes after a battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the bile duct. If surgery were to remove the cancer, Glattauer would lose half of his intestines, a prospect he finds unacceptable.
The legalization of assisted suicide in Austria, which took effect in 2022, was a result of a ruling by the Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof, VfGH) in December 2020. The ruling deemed previous criminal provisions unconstitutional, prompting the Austrian federal government to pass the Sterbeverfügungsgesetz (Sterbeverfügung Act) to regulate assisted suicide legally under specific conditions.
Under the new law, assisted suicide is allowed for individuals with a terminal or permanently debilitating illness who choose to end their life freely and self-determinedly. After an explanatory talk with two doctors, the person seeking assisted suicide must wait at least 12 weeks before moving forward with their plan.
Glattauer has consulted two doctors who confirmed his wish to die and ensured he was not being pressured. A public notary also confirmed his eligibility for assisted suicide in Austria.
Glattauer's younger brother, Daniel Glattauer, is also a prominent author. Despite the family's shared literary success, Glattauer asserted that his children and ex-wife did not influence his decision to die.
In a statement, Glattauer criticized Austria's social system, stating that a lack of resources for medical care played a role in his decision. He mentioned that he has been unable to move freely for a year.
Glattauer will commit suicide on September 4 in his Vienna apartment, under the supervision of a doctor and a nurse. His son, according to Glattauer, supports his decision and would likely make a similar choice if he were in Glattauer's position.
The procedure will involve an overdose of a specific medical drug. Glattauer has revealed that a doctor from Innsbruck (Tyrol) will be present for the procedure.
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