Sir Terry Pratchett
Sir Terry Pratchett has applied for paperwork which could lead to his own assisted suicide in Switzerland.
The Discworld novelist, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, is known for his outspoken views on euthanasia and has previously urged health officials in Britain to establish a system so people with incurable diseases can apply for assistance in ending their life.
Currently in the U.K., a person faces up to 14 years in jail if they are convicted of helping in a suicide.
Switzerland is one of the few countries in Europe where lawmakers have legalised assisted suicide along with Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands - and Pratchett has started the formal process which could lead to his own assisted suicide at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland.
However, Pratchett is holding off from signing the papers to finish a book project and see his film, Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die, which follows a 71-year-old sufferer of motor neurone disease as he travels to the Dignitas clinic.
Speaking at Britain's Doc/Fest event, which brings documentary-makers together, he said, "The only thing stopping me (signing them) is that I have made this film and I have a b**ody book to finish."
Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die is set to air in the U.K. on Monday (13Jun11).