My Wife Plans to End Her Life. Should I Tell My Very Religious Father?

In this week's The Ethicist, an anonymous writer is grappling with the imminent assisted suicide of their wife due to her severe multiple sclerosis. They have begun the challenging process of informing friends and family about the decision, which has been both difficult and meaningful. 

The writer's father, who is deeply religious and believes in alternative medical solutions, is likely to oppose assisted suicide and may attempt to intervene, causing additional stress for the wife. The writer is torn between telling their father before the event, risking added stress, or waiting until after, potentially causing emotional pain and regret. 

For more information see Kwame Anthony Appiah “My Wife Plans to End Her Life. Should I Tell My Very Religious Father?”, The New York Times, March 15, 2024.

Special thanks to Lewis Saret (Attorney, Washington, D.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.