I'm a 75-year-old man living in fear of losing my ability to enjoy life the way my mother did before she passed. My mother, an avid reader and very active mind, lost her sight to macula degeneration, rendering her unable to read the books she loved. A subsequent loss of hearing meant she could no longer enjoy audiobooks either. She spent the final five years of her life in a nursing home, unable to engage her mind as she had all her life. This heart-wrenching personal experience leads me to this plea.

Today, I come to you with an urgent petition seeking a change in the current laws surrounding end-of-life choices. I appeal we reconsider not only for those diagnosed with terminal illnesses, but for those like my mother and many others who feel they've 'had enough of life' due to significant quality of life degradation.

The World Health Organization reports that globally, approximately 1 billion people have a disability, with at least 110-190 million adults encountering significant difficulties. People with severe disabilities often have complex health needs, and some may reach a point where they'd rather choose to part with dignity and security.

Regulations should still exist, just as they do for those with terminal illnesses. An evaluation by independent physicians, consultation with family members and stringent monitoring can ensure the system remains devoid of misuse. This has been achieved in other countries such as Belgium and recently Canada with no noticeable ill effects.

This plea isn't about promoting suicide, but understanding that human dignity and personal autonomy should never be compromised, even in their final hours. Please affirm your support for individual's autonomy over their life, and help make a change in the current end-of-life laws. Sign this petition and stand for human dignity.