Voluntary end-of-life refusal of fluids and food
Brian Polkinghorne’s suggestion of fasting as a peaceful way to die deserves amplification.
Voluntary refusal of fluids and food (VRFF) forms a major part of the late Rodney Syme’s posthumously published book, “A Completed Life” (available through the public library system in South Australia).
Syme was a euthanasia advocate who spent many years consulting with and helping people avoid unnecessary suffering at end-of-life. He considered VRFF to be a humane and legal end-of-life strategy in situations where the dying person is ineligible for Voluntary Assisted Dying because they are not mentally competent enough to sign the paperwork or lack the necessary terminal diagnosis.
However, Syme makes three important points. Firstly, refusal of fluids is the quicker and more humane component (because refusal of food takes too long). Secondly, the process needs to be managed with palliative expertise to keep the person comfortable. And thirdly, the wish needs to be clearly articulated in an Advanced Care Directive.
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