Should our ethics remain when we’re no longer here?
Some considerations for vegans in death or incapacity
Preliminary info
This is an unusual piece because it’s about a practical aspect of veganism. I don’t often write about practicalities and yet this piece is still about ideas because I’ll never be conscious of the outcome of this very practical thing I’ve done
I first wrote about this on a 50 and over vegan group. To my surprise, it garnered a lot of interest. So here’s a longer form, which may be a useful exercise in considering what to do with respect to one’s own planning. Because let’s face it, it’s never good to assume something when one has the opportunity to be specific
None of what follows is legal advice
Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”) for healthcare decisions
My husband and I have been getting our wills sorted. As part of that process, I’ve completed an LPA for healthcare decisions (form LP1H). This form appoints people I’ve selected to represent me and take healthcare decisions on my behalf if I'm incapable of making a decision for myself. These representatives are called attorneys. They can be family or friends – anyone you trust
The LPA form LP1H is the result of a UK specific legal framework. If you’re interested in something similar, you'll have to find its analogue wherever you live. You will need to investigate whether your jurisdiction has a similar framework or ask a lawyer to advise you
Among the things the framework provides is Instructions to attorneys, which are those things your attorneys must follow to the letter. It also provides for the inclusion of Preferences, where you let your attorneys know how you’d like them to decide for you, but they’re not obligated to do so
With respect to Instructions, I've specified my attorney must ensure I’m given only vegan-friendly food and drink (no animal flesh or secretions, including honey) and clothed only in vegan-friendly clothing (no wool, leather, silk, fur, or feathers). And related, in the funeral instructions of my will, along with a request for cremation in an environmentally friendly wicker or other type case, I’ve specified only vegan-friendly food and drink be served at any send-off event, if there is one. I originally assumed the vegan food and drink would be an obvious thing, but then reconsidered and thought I’d best be specific
In Preferences, I’ve requested my animal companions go with me into care if that’s possible. If not, that they’re found good forever homes and not just surrendered to shelters. In my will, I nominate a person to take my companions and a stipend for their care
Although I’ve opted to decline life sustaining intervention in case I’m in a persistent vegetative state, declining medications when one isn’t in such a state, but one isn’t capable of making one’s own decisions, is extremely difficult to impossible. So, I didn’t include that in Instructions or Preferences
Why care? You’re not there (physically/mentally)!
Veganism is a fundamental belief. It would be a betrayal of the animals, who are the victims of non-veganism, if I didn’t make every attempt to ensure my life didn’t depend on their death. It would be a personal betrayal even if I no longer knew I held that belief. And it would also be a betrayal of all the humans exploited in animal agribusiness
Recall the initial part of the definition of veganism, ‘to the extent possible and practicable’. I’m extending that to whatever I can do to influence how I’m fed and clothed if I can’t advocate for myself. I want to ensure whoever has that responsibility can advocate with as much legal right as possible. And the same thought process applies in terms of a funeral event, if there would be one. A celebration or commemoration of my life whilst sacrificing the life of others would be an abomination
What’s the reality for vegans in care homes?
Whether of sound mind or otherwise and living in a care home, it can be very challenging to have access to vegan-friendly foods. Infrastructure, habit, expediency and living in a non-vegan capitalist world, mean the default option is non-vegan food. Asking for something outside that normality will sometimes end up in your having bland or poorly prepared food, limited choices including sometimes only overboiled vegetables or lettuce, or poorer nutrition overall because of such limited choices. And that’s just appalling
I urge you to read this report by Jordi Casamitjana about vegans in care homes. It makes for enraging and heart-breaking reading, but it’s important
What can you do?
First, I urge everyone, whatever age, to investigate a healthcare LPA or equivalent. This will help your loved ones and trusted friends to help you in time of great need. And it will help them advocate for you and your beliefs when you can’t, as will setting your wishes in writing, whether in a will or similar
Second, be an out-vegan – always and at whatever age. There are a great number of vegans aged 50 and over, some of whom have been vegan since the 1970s or earlier and some have become vegan late in life (and every single one says I wish I’d become vegan sooner). We are everywhere, but often we don’t know there are others, assuming there aren’t any or many! Being openly vegan helps you, helps others and helps animals. It can feel daunting, but you’re not alone. There are more and more of us. Requesting our beliefs be respected (and, in turn, respecting animals’ lives) should be a norm. The more of us make the effort will tip the scales for a lasting difference. Being a vocal vegan means you've communicated your beliefs and needs clearly and consistently over time so people who will advocate for you are aware and have a clear path to follow
Finally, life is an incredible gift and we should seek joy however we can. As the late, great (and vegan) John Hyatt used to sign off in his emails: Enjoy everything