The ailing South Africa's Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who turned 85 today has said in a birthday message in the Washington Post that he wants the option of assisted death.


He said:

"I have prepared for my death and have made it clear that I do not wish to be kept alive at all costs. I hope I am treated with compassion and allowed to pass on to the next phase of life’s journey in the manner of my choice.

"Dying people should have the right to choose how and when they leave Mother Earth. I believe that, alongside the wonderful palliative care that exists, their choices should include a dignified assisted death."

He announced the reversal of his lifelong opposition to assisted dying in 2014.