Margaret Atwood, renowned author and cultural commentator, spoke candidly about her perspectives on feminism, legal rights, and assisted dying in a recent interview. Rejecting ideological extremes on both the left and right, Atwood dismissed slogans such as “defund the police” as misguided, emphasizing practicality over political dogma.

While frequently associated with feminist discourse, Atwood declined to label herself strictly as a feminist, citing the term's broad and varied interpretations. Instead, she frames her advocacy within the framework of universal human rights, stressing that gender equality must encompass legal rights for all individuals, regardless of gender. “If you want rights for women, you also have to have human rights for men,” she said, noting her focus lies less on cultural debates and more on tangible legal issues like access to credit, abortion rights, and workplace equality.

Atwood also addressed the topic of assisted dying, a subject personally resonant due to her late partner, Graeme Gibson, who had planned to use Canada’s legal framework for assisted death after receiving a vascular dementia diagnosis in 2017 but passed away from a stroke in 2019. Atwood affirmed that should her own health decline to an unbearable degree, she would consider assisted dying. She expressed disappointment over the UK House of Lords’ recent decision to block legislation permitting assisted dying, underscoring the importance of autonomy at the end of life. Drawing from personal experience, she recounted friends’ decisions to end their lives on their terms and described these moments as “reassuring” for those involved.

Beyond medical and legal issues, Atwood touched on demographic changes and societal attitudes toward intimacy. She noted that declining birth rates worldwide are influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental and biological considerations such as male fertility, rather than solely cultural trends. Responding to research indicating a drop in sexual activity, particularly among younger populations in the United States, Atwood offered a wry observation, suggesting younger generations might as well enjoy their lives despite these shifts.

Atwood also revealed a practical approach to her own mortality, having already purchased a burial plot in Toronto, where she was once photographed for the cover of her novel *The Blind Assassin*. While she has yet to plan her own funeral, she intends to have a private internment paired with a public celebration of life, reflecting her agnostic beliefs.

Known for her dystopian narratives, Atwood linked the origins of *The Handmaid’s Tale* to early 1980s debates around women’s roles, particularly those advocated by the conservative religious right. She acknowledged that concerns about population aging and fertility now cross political boundaries globally.

Despite her prominent status, Atwood maintains a candid, unpretentious demeanor. When asked about receiving inappropriate letters, she took the opportunity to respond with characteristic sharpness and humor, underscoring her continued engagement with her audience across generations.