Revered British actress Harriet Walter is known for her versatile roles on stage and screen, and she recently voiced her support for a change in the UK’s laws on assisted dying. The London native, who has brilliantly portrayed characters on both sides of this deeply contentious issue, believes that the United Kingdom urgently needs to engage in a comprehensive discussion about euthanasia and assisted suicide.
However, Walter’s advocacy for this cause comes from a place of personal contemplation and professional exploration of the subject, particularly highlighted through her work in film and television that delves into the complexities of end-of-life choices.
About a decade ago, Dame Harriet Walter, 73, decided it was time to prepare a living will, AKA an advance decision. This legal document allows individuals to outline their wishes concerning medical treatment and care in the event they are unable to communicate their decisions due to severe illness.
Although such a will does not encompass requests for assistance in dying – since both euthanasia and assisted suicide remain illegal in the UK – it represents a significant step toward acknowledging and confronting the realities of end-of-life care.
The debate around assisted dying gained renewed momentum following a poignant account by Rachael Stirling about the challenges of caring for her mother, Diana Rigg, during her final months. This, alongside calls from public figures like Esther Rantzen, who wishes to see a free parliamentary vote on assisted dying, has spotlighted the need for legal reforms to reflect the evolving public opinion on this matter.
Harriet Walter’s Artistic Journey Through the Ethics of Life and Death
Harriet Walter’s reflections on assisted dying were significantly shaped by her involvement in the 2009 BBC film “A Short Stay in Switzerland.” The film tells the true story of Anne Turner, a British doctor who opted to end her life legally at Dignitas in Switzerland. In this film, Walter portrayed Clare, a character opposed to Turner’s decision due to her religious beliefs.
This role, challenging as it was, prompted Walter to contemplate the sanctity of life, especially when faced with terminal illness and unbearable suffering.
Her exploration of the subject continued with her role in the 2020 Sky Atlantic drama “The End,” where she played a character supporting the right to die. These roles have not only influenced Walter’s personal views. But they have also highlighted the importance of having the option of assisted dying as a source of comfort to those facing terminal illness.
The Shift in Public Opinion and Legal Debate
Despite the rejection of assisted dying legislation by the UK Parliament in 2015, recent polls suggest a significant shift in public opinion towards supporting legal reform. This change reflects a growing awareness of the challenges posed by aging populations and the desire for autonomy and dignity at the end of life.
Harriet Walter asserts that the legal and political systems must align with the public’s changing attitudes, advocating for laws that empower individuals facing terminal illnesses to make informed choices about their lives.
Confronted with the inevitability of her own mortality, Walter eventually completed her living will, specifying her wishes should she become unable to communicate. This decision, though difficult, brought her a sense of peace and reinforced her belief in the necessity of legal provisions that support individuals’ rights to make choices about their own deaths.
Thus, Harriet Walter’s advocacy for a conversation about assisted dying underscores the importance of addressing this issue openly and compassionately. It ensures that laws evolve to provide support and dignity to those at the end of their lives.