David Slater reminisces over photographs of his late wife, Diane McDowell, displaying her vibrant personality and love for travel. McDowell, who suffered from depression for decades, found temporary solace through therapy, medication, and traveling to exotic locations, such as Greece, Botswana, and India. However, at the age of 71, her mental health deteriorated significantly, leading to her tragic suicide on October 25, 2023. Slater recounts a poignant conversation with his wife a month and a half prior to her passing, in which she expressed, “I don’t want to die, but I don’t want to live like this,” illustrating the struggles she faced with her mental illness.
Following her death, Slater became a vocal advocate for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), particularly for individuals suffering from mental illness. He is concerned about a new legislation proposed by Justice Minister Sean Fraser, which aims to restrict access to MAID for those whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. Slater believes that McDowell’s death could have been more dignified had she been afforded the option of MAID, highlighting the importance of ensuring that individuals’ choices are respected in life-ending scenarios.
Justice Minister Fraser, who acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, had recently lost a friend who battled mental illness for over two decades. He emphasized the need for caution in making decisions regarding MAID, reflecting the complexities and the diverse opinions within the medical community on whether individuals with mental illness can recover with appropriate treatment. Fraser noted that it is challenging to determine conclusively whether someone might find hope in the future.
Despite Fraser's position, many experts express concern that denying access to MAID for those with mental health issues could lead to individuals opting for suicide instead, thus underscoring the need for compassionate consideration of their circumstances. Slater’s wife's experience with debilitating depression began after she tapered off her medication, leading to severe anxiety attacks and subsequent hospitalizations. For years, despite various treatments, McDowell found no relief from her symptoms, highlighting the tragic reality that many facing similar struggles endure.
At McDowell’s funeral on November 7, 2023, community members, including family and friends, gathered to honor her memory. Liberal MP Robert Oliphant, who had co-chaired a parliamentary committee on MAID, pledged to advocate for equitable access for individuals battling mental illness. He described McDowell's death as a personal motivation to push for legislative changes that would better accommodate the needs of those suffering.
Reflecting on what could have been, Slater expressed that had MAID been an option for his wife, she would have preferred to leave the world surrounded by love and cherished memories, rather than in the solitude of despair. He emphasized the tragic absence of dignity and comfort in the manner of her passing, profoundly lamenting that he couldn’t share those final moments with her. This heartfelt narrative not only underscores the complexities surrounding mental health and end-of-life choices but also calls for a reevaluation of policies regarding MAID. David Slater’s advocacy continues to bring attention to the urgent need to support those who suffer silently, offering them the compassion and options that could lead to a dignified farewell.
