Jade Goody: Life and Death in the Limelight

Last year we were introduced to Craig Ewert, 59, in a controversal Sky television feature. Mr Ewert, who was suffering from motor-neuron disease, became the first case of euthanasia (assisted suicide) to be broadcasted on British television.

The programme itself recieved much criticism for its controversal content. Responding to the isssue British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, said "I think it is very important that these issues are dealt with sensitively and without sensationalism and I hope broadcasters remember that they have a wider responsibility to the general public." However, how else could such a controversial and intriguing topic have been presented? Is death in the public eye a betrayel of human dignity? Or, does it add potency and awareness to life threatening issues? Undoubtedly this is one of the ethical questions that will arise in the case of Jade Goody.

It think it would be naive to presume that Jade Goody's death would be anything other than a media frenzy. Her rise to fame was on the wave of success of reality television. Her life, since that moment, has been the object of scrutinious media attention. She used this success to sell her fragrances, books and various fitness DVD's. However, it now seems that she is using this fame to sell her death. "I've lived in front of the camera's, and maybe I'll die in front of them" she told a documentary crew.

There are two arguements which can be made in an attempt to justify such an invasion of privacy. Firstly, as Jade Goody herself has claimed, the media attention which now surrounds her helps to raise funds for her two sons. The various deals, interviews and exclusive photograph oppertunities which she has sold since her diagnosis last August has raised her sons' inheritance to a staggering £1.5m (almost €1.75m) A noble cause, some may claim, but more important than financial assistance during these difficult last moments must surely be emotional support? How can her two sons properly grieve and come to terms with their mothers death as their every reaction is broadcast to the masses?

Another arguement is that her condition has significantly raised awareness of ovarian cancer which has prompted a further 21% of women to get themselves examined. Similar to how "Slumdog Millionaire" has helped to raise much needed charity for Indian charities. Although this, undoubtedly, is a positive by-product of Jade Goody's death it is questionable how long this heightened level of awareness will last. Out of sight, out of mind. Perhaps the awareness of ovarian cancer will die with Jade?

As the days continue, we will see more and more pictures of Jade's crying portrait pasted on the front of various red-tops, it is becoming difficult to remember that Jade Goody is a person. She is 27 years of age, she has two sons and a husband. As her dying day approaches perhaps the media should have a more reserved approach to such a delicate issue. Although looking at Jades life it would be difficult to imagine her meeting the end any other way.