The Danger of Considering Anorexia as Terminal: A Call for Dialogue in the Washington Post
In a recent letter from Jules Good of Newmarket, N.H., published by The Washington Post on November 2nd, the question of whether or not anorexia can ever be considered terminal, and whether or not patients with anorexia should be candidates for physician-assisted suicide was explored. Jules is a disability policy professional in recovery from anorexia, whose personal experience sheds an important light on the potential dangers of creating a "terminal anorexia" diagnosis.
According to the letter, at the age of 19, Jules found themself in the throes of anorexia, surviving on fewer than 500 calories a day, grappling with obsessive workouts, hair loss, and dizzy spells from low blood pressure. In their letter, Jules shares the depth of their struggle, recounting two suicide attempts during this harrowing time. The crucial point emphasized is the impact of malnutrition and the nature of the disease, which compromised their ability to make sound decisions about their long-term health.
Joel Yager, a proponent of assisted suicide for anorexia, was mentioned in the original Post article, suggesting that individuals with anorexia might feel "infantilized" when pushed to seek help. However, Jules counters this perspective, saying that seeking help was, in reality, a life-saving stepping stone. An important factor for individuals battling anorexia to consider is that they are already susceptible to clouded judgment because of their malnourished state. For this reason, offering assisted suicide as an option can be catastrophic.
Jules raises a concern about the assumption that one safeguard is the requirement that individuals try "high-quality" treatment before resorting to assisted suicide. This, Jules argues, is not a foolproof protective measure. The reality of anorexia recovery is complex and personal, and the act of entering a treatment program does not necessarily guarantee that program will be completed. Jules points to cases where individuals left or failed treatment programs and were still allowed to pursue assisted suicide. This highlights a significant flaw in the safeguarding mechanisms proposed by proponents of assisted suicide for anorexia.
Anorexia, by its nature, is highly personal, and recovery is a journey that requires time, support, and understanding. Jules stresses the irresponsibility of offering individuals, statistically more likely to be suicidal, the option to end their lives as a form of "medical treatment." They suggest suicide should not be considered as an option, especially when individuals are grappling with a mental health condition that already distorts their perception of reality.
The letter is a human plea for responsible dialogue surrounding the intersection of anorexia and assisted suicide in New Hampshire. It highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the complexities of anorexia and the potential ramifications of considering it as a terminal condition. Many factors need to be considered, including compassion, support, and evidence-based treatments rather than presenting suicide as a legitimate option for those already vulnerable to suicide.
Jules holds a Master in Public Policy from the University of New Hampshire and currently works as the Assistant Director of Not Dead Yet, a grassroots organizing nonprofit that works to end discriminatory practices against disabled people in medical settings.