Euthanasia - mercy killing

[Unicorn]

Euthanasia - other names are 'assisted suicide' or 'mercy killing.

The following scenarios are common:
- where the person has made the decision for themselves.
- where the relative (husband, sibling) has made the decision for the ill person.

Some people think this provides a dignified, relatively painless death to 'the living dead' (people wasting away from incurable terminal illnesses)

Some people think it's just another name for murder.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you support it or not, and why?

[Llama]

I do not support it. My views are pretty much that of the Catholic Church's.

Llama, mind elaborating on your stance? Maybe you could mention what the view of the Catholic Church is? This is the debates section after all, and a little more meat to people's posts are A-OK. :)

-FH

[Frosted Heart]

In an ideal world, we wouldn't need this. But I've seen how some people have suffered in the hospital, and old age/terminal illnesses can be a terrible way to go. If someone has specifically stated in their will that they do not want to be resuscitated, then that's fine. But I don't agree with euthanasia since I think it cheapens the worth of human life.

Some studies have shown that legalizing euthanasia increases the rate of doctors recommending/allowing euthanasia on their patients. Whether those recommendations were justified is unknown. Someone could pressure their doctor into allowing euthanasia when it's actually not needed.

Also better palliative care (meaning better treatment for pain) would lessen the want for euthanasia. We have pretty good pain treatments, but most of the time a patient's pain treatment in mishandled. And yes, it's a long shot, but you never know what kind of new treatments/cures that could be invented in the near future.

[Llama]

Lol ok, I'll elaborate on this one since I never really debated this on BF.

To die naturally a patient should die from the consequences of old age or disease. The patient’s death may be at least partly due to surgery, to a treatment or to a medication (or to their complications), that is given in an appropriate dose and for an appropriate indication, with the intent of treating a disease or relieving pain. When giving a potentially lethal medication, there must be no intent to hasten death. Treatment may be withdrawn from a patient and this may indirectly result in their death. Patients do not have any obligation to use medical treatments and may opt to allow a disease condition to take its natural course. This becomes morally questionable when the patient is young and the treatment is easy and life-saving, such as a blood transfusion for a sudden severe loss of blood. A physician is under an obligation to use available treatments to attempt to prolong life or relieve suffering. If treatments to prolong life are likely to result in suffering a physician may, in consultation with patients or relatives, decide to withhold treatment. Treatment that has already been instituted may also be withdrawn if the prolongation of life they result in causes suffering, in a patient who is terminally ill. If withdrawal of a treatment has a high likelihood of directly resulting in the death of a patient, it should not be withdrawn, even at the patient’s or relatives’ request, because this constitutes an intent to cause or hasten death. (For example switching off a ventilator in a patient unable to breathe will result in immediate death).

If you really want to know here: http://www.euthanasia.com/vatican.html

[HELLA PINOY]

This is exactly what happened with the Terri Schaivo incident a couple years ago. They even made a South Park episode with a similar plot, lol. Anyway i think it should be the choice of the suffering person and ONLY the suffering person, capable or not of speaking. Unless they're in a vegitative state they have their own voice in their decision to die or live a life of suffering.

I myself dont like the whole idea of assisted suicide myself but if thats what the individual really wants then I wont stop them. This coming from me that was raised Catholic btw, lol.

[Shannon]

Hai, hai. Here's my view.

I don't agree with euthanasia because I think it's against the will of God. Because God gave us at least the right to live, and if we impose on that and deny him by suicide, or asking someone to kill you, it's just wrong.

Well, I did actually know a high schooler where I live who was in a coma after getting brain hemorrhage, because some other high schooler knocked him for 'stealing his girlfriend'. Yeah, and he ends up dying after that, because the parents asked to pull the plug. I don't count that as A.S. because then it's the parents who ask, not the guy himself.
(But then, that would be treating life like candy. Eat it when you want, or throw it away.)

Don't get me wrong, those are just my own views on euthanasia, but if someone wants to, I can't blame them, it's just, I was raised to believe that's wrong, and also to think that that can lead you to hell.

But it's their decision to use euthanasia, not mine. :D
*tries to end in happy note*

[Gintoki]

I was also raised in a Christian family and i don't tolerate murder. However if i were in such a situation, maybe i would seek death, too.

To to do a murder is one thing, but to torment someone, by not letting them die is another story. I mean, if the person itself wants to die, so tell me a reason not to fulfill his only dream?

I think the real crime is, not to let them pass away in peace, and torture them, instead of giving the final sleep.

[Riekie]

Hmm...difficult one.

I carry the Christian believe with me so euthanasia in my eyes is suicide and a, sorry to say this if I offend people it's not meant that way, cheap ticket out of here.
Being terminal ill is horrible and especially when you are in alot of pain, whether or not you get pain medication like Morfine, it can be a disaster for you. Also, medication like Morfine has alot of different side-effects so it could make your final days even worse, but to cut your days down by 2 or 10..<---when using euthanasia...well..you're gonna die anyway..so why not 'wait' for when your time comes?

if you feel offended in any way pm me about it.

[Gintoki]

This is the debatte section, so don't worry that much about offending someone. However i don't think, that you did so.

Back to topic:

It is Indeed a cheap ticket out of here, but trust me, if you are in such a situation, that's the least thing you care about. I also believe that self suicide shouldn't be tolerated, however under one exception. And that is euthanasia. The people don't choose the simple way because they want, rather they have to. I really don't wish anyone something similar, but it's another story, if you have experienced what it means to torture yourself till the death salvation.

[Shinrin]

In the case where the person have turned so handicaped they are more like walking dead, i wouldn't get in the way of it if that was what the person had wished for.

Well i don't mind death peanelty either, there just need to be less coruption in the courts aswell as very strong prove

[gab00n]

I think there is nothing wrong with euthanasia. Anyone who is against it in my eyes is cruel and heartless. They would rather see a person suffer instead of letting them die a peaceful and pain free death. People who make this decision basically have no right so I don't see what the big deal is.

[Jaws]

I support Euthanasia depending on the situation!!!

It should only be done If both the patient's treating doctor and family members voted for it, and that the person is suffering from terminal cancer. A patient can request to have Euthanasia, but I do not think that it should be decided by the patient alone, since when a person is sick, they always feel that their illness is very serious, and that they might be dying ... Eventhough it could be something very minor. I have seen what it is like in the very last stage of a person dying from cancer, and let me tell you there is no amount of Morphine that is going to work on elevating the pain. What about dignity and quality of life? The very last stage of cancer will have a person so weak, even doing something as simple as breathing will be difficult. You will not be able to walk, to sit, and you will not be able to sleep. I can only imagine what a person is going through when they must depend on someone else to assist them to eat, in going to the toilet, and to clean themselves!!! It is absolute torture to the person suffering, and even more heart wrenching for those around watching the person suffer! When you are dying, dragging on for that few more days ... or weeks, is really meaningless, and cruel. It is a choice ofcourse, and if the person suffering wish to battle till the very end, no one should disobey that wish.

A person in a vegetative state, or in a coma does not mean a person is brain dead, at least not until tests show the person has absolutely no brain activity. When a person is pronounced brain dead, it means the person has already died, eventhough they are still breathing in way of life support. Whether or not to keep a brain dead person on life support is entirely up to the family of the patient, but let me ask you this : If someone suffered major brain damage from an accident (By this I mean there is absolutely no chance of revival, and will die in a day or so), and his/her organs CAN be donated to save more than one life, would you think that it is wrong? By keeping this one person alive for one day or so, you are denying maybe three or more others who could have survived with the organs, wouldn't you classify this as murder as well? Which do you think weighs more?

[Llama]

I think there is nothing wrong with euthanasia. Anyone who is against it in my eyes is cruel and heartless. They would rather see a person suffer instead of letting them die a peaceful and pain free death. People who make this decision basically have no life to live so I don't see what the big deal is.

Trying to hide behind religion is pathetic, they are all man made and God most likely does not exist. Do you not find it strange that in every religion women are treated like dirt? They are all man made and no man has the right to press his delusions upon others.
I find it heartless to kill someone. Even if they want to be dead. And I'm pathetic because I'm Catholic and believe in God? And Catholics treat women with respect. If they don't then I wouldn't call them a true Catholic. And it's true, a lot of people like to force their views down other people's throats, which is wrong.

[neurofreez]

I support euthanasia. Especially when the person in question is terminally ill. Who decides should be entirely up to the person that receives it. Not the doctor, not the family, not the neighbor two doors down, no one else. Exceptions when the person is incapable of making decisions on their own or unable to relay them to others.

Life is precious. Once it's gone, it is truly "the end". There is no coming back. I would like to think people believe something similar and would not decide on a whim when things start to get a little rough. But if they do, then that is their choice. Not a choice I really respect them for, but theirs nonetheless.

Death is a mysterious thing we, in most cases, have no control over. I don't know about the rest of you, but if I am going to die anyway due to say an illness, I would much prefer euthanasia. The result is still the same.

We have no say in our being brought into this world. However, we DO have a say in how we live the life we have. There is nothing wrong with using euthanasia to live your life(even though you're not "living" anymore once you use it...)

[Zelos]

its a moral issue, really, and ive never had much of a strong stance on most, if not all, moral issues. i see both sides pretty easily so its hard for me to really pick a side here >.< however, i do believe in individual free choice and that people should do with their life as they will. if a person wants to die, regardless of the reasoning behind it, i believe that we should let them. its their life and if they really want to die, then let them die. it may be the right choice, it may be the wrong choice, but as long as it is a choice then i dont see anything wrong with it.

[Sarada]

It's quite common to 'aid' the patient in dieing here.

I work in a pharmacy, so we only see one side of the picture, but when the doctor gives orders for morfine IV's, combined with Haldol and/or Dormicum, it's a sure sign that the person is on his last days/weeks. The family doctor will no doubt aid him in death.

I don't think it's wrong to help along a dieing person, making him feel calm and comfortable, because I'd be scared as hell if I was dieing.

As for active euthanisation, I'm not against it, as long as the person is sound of mind, or has made a written declaration about not wanting to live under certain conditions ( like being in a coma or living in a vegetative state). I do think the final desicion should be made by a specialist, not a family doctor.

[experimentchoco]

I agree with Euthanasia. I think it should only be up to the person who is suffering and no one should interfere. Plain and simple as that. It's a part of our human right to be choose to die or not.

[emoloz]

I don't like the idea at all. I mean killing yourself when there are a million and 1 ways to fix your life. I think sucide is a litte selfish in some respects especially fi your taking someone elses thats just not right at all. I think people need to be told more about all the help they cna get if they feel sucuidal i think its one of these topics which a little too rose tinted and needs to be spoke of a little just incase you know. If its a persons wish though for example: If i am brain dead turn off the Machine. I agree with because really when you in that state your dead anyways your brain dead. Ther eis sadly nothing the world can do to fix you now that person has passed on. I really couldn't sit there and watch a brain dead relative just lie there attatched to a machine. If there is a chance of life i would never do that because why not thake the chance. Life is about taking risk's isn't it. I don't agree with it for exampela case in the UK a while back where a mother got so stressed and felt so bad for her disabled son she took them to the bridge and both jumped off. I have 2 disabled cousins and yes one is more difficult to handle but there still humans. They have a mind, feelings and a just like you and me only they think a little off. Thats just wrong.

[aznxenocide]

If the patient wants to be killed, doctors should respect that. Of course, the patient should be of sound mind, being uninfluenced by family members, media, etc etc. It's not the doctor's role to play God.

It's not suicide. If you are terminally ill, and there is no way for you to fully recover, and even if you do, you're stuck in a hospital popping meds 24/7, then euthanasia is an option. If my girlfriend breaks up with me, I'm not going to go to the doctor and request that I be euthanized cuz that's just...silly.

Euthanasia is the merciful killing of terminally ill patients with little or no chance of recovery.

[Bleu]

I wanted to make a topic like this [=

I support euthanasia, on a few bases:

The person HAS to make the decision for themselves in a written document, much like a will, when they turn 18. For some people, it is a personal issue. If i was ever put in that situation i would want to die, too. i wouldnt want to became a burden to the ones i loved. Actually, thinking about this right now makes me want to cry.

The spouse is not allowed to make the direct order to end the life, the family members are the only ones allowed to do it in a vote. This is because i dont trust spouses with something like this.. The spouse could just want to end their life, get some money, and get a new wife.

Children are not allowed to be killed, help find a cure and support them and try to give them, out of all people, the chance.

I just don't think its really right to let someone "live" in complete misery as a vegetable, its wrong. I would NEVER want someone i know to live like that. Even if they technically are alive in body, in soul and mind they arent.. they are as good as dead to me.

[Rain]

I am in support of euthanasia, mostly because i am not against suicide in general. It is the persons life, they should be in charge of it, and that includes when it ends.

I am worried about what would happen when people kill another person, and claim it was euthanasia, but im sure there are ways to determine if that is true or not

[Bleu]

Well, for euthenasia they would need written documents and doctors approvals before they take the life, otherwise it is murder.

itz seriuz buiznis.

[Ann-chan]

I've always wondered why, but for some reason, a written statement of a person who want euthanasia has absolutely 0 value :T in my county it's floating between illegal and legal atm, it's kinda sensitive.... the doctor makes the final decision and you always have to have another doctor back you up on the case... though it still mostly happens behind closed doors and you hear nothing about it T__T;

anyways, I support. I agree with Rain in that a person should be in charge of their own life and should be able to end it whenever they please, whether they do it theirselves or whether a doctor does it.

I think it's kind of difficult when a person gets into a vegitative state or when they are unable to communicate suddenly (like after car-crash) though.... I mean, when you have a chronic illness, you will probably start thinking about "what if" stuff anyway, but car-crashes and the like are unexpected, so maybe a person hadn't been able to express their wish yet.... yeah, I think that kind of scenario is very difficult to judge >__<; because you're sure someone will never wake up or will be in pain forever but you can't ask them what they want :T I guess I would think about the way that person was in a situation like that and think "would they want us to keep trying or just shut everything down?"

any opinions on scenario's like this one? and what would *you* do faced with a situation like this?

[Rain]

what would i do if in this situation:headscratch

well right now i'd say that there is no way i'd end my life. But that is easy to say now, because im not in the situation.

About 5 years ago i was extremely sick, but it was somewhat slow, and i couldn't eat at all for months. I lost so much weight, couldn't go anywhere and just constantly thought i might die:cry even at the time i never though to end my life, or to have a doctor help end it.

but again, this was when i was so much younger (in my teens) and there was so much i hadn't yet done

if a person is content with the life they lead up to the that time, and feels that death would be a better idea than living, then i think it should be fine for them to die

[Ametatsu]

@Ann-chan
Can't you get living wills or whatever they're called that say what you want to happen to you if you ever are in an accident or whatever and they don't know what they should do with you?
It should be like registering organ donors - you can have your preferences recorded and then if you ever are dead/comatose they know what you want doing

[GIN_ofTheFunk]

Another interesting topic. I am against the euthanasia, but people have their right to choose death on the other hand. It's not my business.
The other problem is that Euthanasia can disguised real murders. In our world everything can be faked, right?

[Ann-chan]

@Ann-chan
Can't you get living wills or whatever they're called that say what you want to happen to you if you ever are in an accident or whatever and they don't know what they should do with you?
It should be like registering organ donors - you can have your preferences recorded and then if you ever are dead/comatose they know what you want doing

well that's basically what the written statement is. But as I said it has nearly 0 value :T it's nice for the family to know what to do, but the doctor is the one who makes the final decision =___=; I mean, many people have written statements saying they want euthanasia if they ever get Alzheimer's or something but if there is no clear indication of "unending and unnecessary suffering", which is mostly not the case with Alzheimer's, a doctor will say no and nothing will happen :/

[speedphantom]

I think if people are truly suffering they should have the option of being put out of their misery. Hard to judge when people just want to use it as a means of suicide.

For people who truly are suffering a lot I'd be in favour of it more than against it.

[Agmaster]

if you want to die, die. Sure it sucks for those depending on you, but if you really can't hack living, nothing is going to keep you alive. Aside from restraints and I'm all for that too.


Edited out the off-topic bits. ~ Unicorn

[Babbo]

Suicide is illegal in Connecticut (or is that the US babbo can't remeber). That always cracked babbo up, but here it does have it's applications, assisted suicide (euthanasia is such a misleading term/word in this case) is suicide plain and simple. Until suicide becomes legal babbo doesn't see any reaon to condone it.

[Hiraeth]

In the Northern Territory euthanasia was actually legalized for a short time, but due to the fact that we're not a state, and are only a self-governing territory of Australia, the federal government was able to override the legislation.

To everyone who has said anything along the lines of 'life is God's gift and we shouldn't squander it', not trying to offend here, just summing up the general gist of what people have said, I have a question for you:

In the situation where man made machines or drugs are keeping alive a person who would otherwise have died, could that not be considered to be defying God's will? If so, could euthanasia be considered to be in some ways returning things to how they should be?

I think I phrased that badly, and I hope no one takes offence, I'd just like to hear people's opinions.

[Poiison]

Well I'm not against suicide in general so I technically wouldn't be against Euthanasia or whatever anyone else wants to call it. Because in this scenario, you are brain dead in a hospital. All your organs are working, but you cannot move, speak or do anything but lie in a bed. Waiting to die. Would it not be better to be killed than sit in a bed wondering the day you will eventually die. There's no way around dying so I wouldn't be against this at all.

Anyways, a person should be in charge of their own life and if they are in a case where they cannot a closer relative should make the right choice, they think would be best for the person.

General suicide should have a purpose, negative or positive. If you just throw your life out what will that do to not just you, because you'll be dead, but the people around you, or maybe even the world around you? Suicide could be the effect of drugs, stress, etc. etc. I think I'm starting to sound like I'm leaning for the entire no suicide deal, but back onto track here. I believe that people should be incharge of their life, and if they can't do that have someone make the right decision for them.

So overall I would not be against Euthanasia.

[Babbo]

In the Northern Territory euthanasia was actually legalized for a short time, but due to the fact that we're not a state, and are only a self-governing territory of Australia, the federal government was able to override the legislation.

To everyone who has said anything along the lines of 'life is God's gift and we shouldn't squander it', not trying to offend here, just summing up the general gist of what people have said, I have a question for you:

In the situation where man made machines or drugs are keeping alive a person who would otherwise have died, could that not be considered to be defying God's will? If so, could euthanasia be considered to be in some ways returning things to how they should be?

I think I phrased that badly, and I hope no one takes offence, I'd just like to hear people's opinions.

God's opinion is nice, but not really the deciding factor if you ask Babbo. Suicide is a huge destabilizing factor in society and in all cases absolutely unnecessary.

Your question assumes that God as decided that they would die as soon as their body starts failing. It's silly to assume that you know God's will; he easily could have divinely inspired the people who created life support technologies for all we know>.>

Well I'm not against suicide in general so I technically wouldn't be against Euthanasia or whatever anyone else wants to call it. Because in this scenario, you are brain dead in a hospital. All your organs are working, but you cannot move, speak or do anything but lie in a bed. Waiting to die. Would it not be better to be killed than sit in a bed wondering the day you will eventually die. There's no way around dying so I wouldn't be against this at all.

Anyways, a person should be in charge of their own life and if they are in a case where they cannot a closer relative should make the right choice, they think would be best for the person.

General suicide should have a purpose, negative or positive. If you just throw your life out what will that do to not just you, because you'll be dead, but the people around you, or maybe even the world around you? Suicide could be the effect of drugs, stress, etc. etc. I think I'm starting to sound like I'm leaning for the entire no suicide deal, but back onto track here. I believe that people should be incharge of their life, and if they can't do that have someone make the right decision for them.

So overall I would not be against Euthanasia.

If you're brain dead it's unlikely that you'd be wondering about a whole lot. The example isn't very good for support of assisted suicide anyways.

The biggest reason that most people support the idea is for when people are going to die no matter what and that it'd be pointlessly painful to keep on living. Again, it's still suicide. Imagine how some people must feel knowing that life was so painful for someone they loved that that person decided it'd be better to die. It's ridiculous.

Babbo's Grandfather had diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and a boat load of other associated problems. He spent the last 20 some odd years of his life going back and forth to the hospital had dozens upon dozens of surgeries, he could barely walk (and during the last 5 years he pretty much couldn't, he also had to spend the last 3 years on oxygen) or use his hands (he even had to have some fingers amputated). He couldn't even do basic things without the help from others. Life (as far as daily activities) essentially sucked; but you know what? He stuck too it because there are things worth living for no matter how bad you may think you have it >.>

[minna]

The biggest reason that most people support the idea is for when people are going to die no matter what and that it'd be pointlessly painful to keep on living. Again, it's still suicide. Imagine how some people must feel knowing that life was so painful for someone they loved that that person decided it'd be better to die. It's ridiculous. >.>

That is rather subjective. Yes, It would be painful for most people to hear that their loved ones wants to die but what about the emotional, physical and financial toll it has on the family and friends? These may seem trivial when compared to the life of the person, but it's the reality that they must face. This is less obivious in developed countries with adequate healthcare system, but in less developed countries where it is the patients and family who must shoulder the unimaginable medicial costs...this strain cannot be underestimated. Of course this strain on the family would very much influence the decision the patient makes. They'd probably more likely to choose euthansia if he/she sees the strain and pain they are causing to THEIR loved ones.

Personally I am not against or for euthanaisa. But I do think legalising it would open up a pandoras box, followed by countless systems, laws, ongoing debates, all wrapped up with politics and bureaucracy. This money could be better spent on helping the inidividuals in lessening their weight on their family. Like emotional and social support, rehabilitation programs, counselling for family and friends, financail helpt etc. That might have a more positive impact on our society.

[Babbo]

That is rather subjective. Yes, It would be painful for most people to hear that their loved ones wants to die but what about the emotional, physical and financial toll it has on the family and friends? These may seem trivial when compared to the life of the person, but it's the reality that they must face. This is less obivious in developed countries with adequate healthcare system, but in less developed countries where it is the patients and family who must shoulder the unimaginable medicial costs...this strain cannot be underestimated. Of course this strain on the family would very much influence the decision the patient makes. They'd probably more likely to choose euthansia if he/she sees the strain and pain they are causing to THEIR loved ones.

Personally I am not against or for euthanaisa. But I do think legalising it would open up a pandoras box, followed by countless systems, laws, ongoing debates, all wrapped up with politics and bureaucracy. This money could be better spent on helping the inidividuals in lessening their weight on their family. Like emotional and social support, rehabilitation programs, counselling for family and friends, financail helpt etc. That might have a more positive impact on our society.

Um...Are you suggesting that people with severe medical problems should just kill themselves if they're causing enough financial strain on their families o,o? Families support themselves like that because they don't want to see the person die. Otherwise they probably would provide no support whatsoever. Additionally, this is mostly a problem because of superior healthcare (ie because we can keep someone alive/"alive" when in the past that may have been out of our control).

[Rain]

Babbo's Grandfather had diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and a boat load of other associated problems. He spent the last 20 some odd years of his life going back and forth to the hospital had dozens upon dozens of surgeries, he could barely walk (and during the last 5 years he pretty much couldn't, he also had to spend the last 3 years on oxygen) or use his hands (he even had to have some fingers amputated). He couldn't even do basic things without the help from others. Life (as far as daily activities) essentially sucked; but you know what? He stuck too it because there are things worth living for no matter how bad you may think you have it >.>

I think this is the idea that seperates alot of us as either pro or against euthanasia.

I agree that people should try to stick to life despite how hard/bad it may seem, but when people are put in this situation, they may not think that life is worth living

For them life isn't worth living anymore. Whether it is or not doesn't matter, because thats not how they feel



About killing yourself, letting yourself die to ease the financial burden on your family......

this is less about euthanasia and more about healthcare, and whether it should be free or not. If it was "free", then this wouldn't happen at all

[Ann-chan]

yip my view slightly differs but I agree to the general point made.

if you still want to live, go for it! but if you personally think that life is not worth living anymore with the disease you have or something then I approve for euthanasia. Why force a person to live when he or she doesn't see the point of living anymore? that's just adding to the suffering as far as I am concerned :T

[minna]

Um...Are you suggesting that people with severe medical problems should just kill themselves if they're causing enough financial strain on their families o,o? Families support themselves like that because they don't want to see the person die. Otherwise they probably would provide no support whatsoever. Additionally, this is mostly a problem because of superior healthcare (ie because we can keep someone alive/"alive" when in the past that may have been out of our control).

Not at all. What I was trying to highlight, obiviously unsucessfully, was the role and importance of family in making such decisions. (in response to your last statement) And in effect the impact it has on the patients.

Having volunteered (still am) at a hospital. It is definately heartening to see families and friends rally behind the patient and support them all the way. And often their collective strenghten is astounding. However with with terminal illness such as late stage cancer etc. after rounds and rounds of chemo and radiation therapy the emotional and financial strain do cause even the stronger bonds to buckle (hence my suggestion of better support). This often would affect the patients decision in regards to their own threatment (in addition to their own personal suffering). Perhaps it does seem callous of me to say what I have said but it is all personal opinion. :)

Also I do not mean the money that is spent on the patient ought to be spent on support services. Rather I mean the money spent on legalising (and all that that follows) could be better spent on these services.

[speedphantom]

I don't have any opposition if someone is really suffering but even the best doctor's can't read the suffering of a patient with any instrument or judgement as such. The person might just be exaggerating the pain a little if they want to die through euthanasia.

Its such a fine line since you can't say "You're suffering a lot but not quite as much as this person over here so sorry mate, you'll have to wait."

Not so simple! ><

As for causing emotional stress to their families, I think more emotional stress would be generated by knowing that their loved one was suffering so much and I'm sure if they made a decision to end their life their family would understand that decision, might not agree with it but if they knew of the suffering then they should understand it.

[tari101190]

i think only ppl over a certain age with certain life styles, or just ppl with life threaetening illness should be able to do this.

like 100 years old with no family or friends for example.
or a guy who will die in pain within months for eample.

- where the person has made the decision for themselves.only if thy have reasonable reasons that firt into the above scenario...

- where the relative (husband, sibling) has made the decision for the ill person.
hell no. unless the person cannot make the decision themself and will never definately recover.

no coma's arn't acceptable reasons ifthere's a chance they will wake up...


Some people think it's just another name for murder.
wtf? no it's not. they are just those over the top ppl. like overly religious ones.

i think ppl have the righ to end their lives themselves. but the rules should be strict as to who can do it. like 'good enough' reasons. if you getwhat i mean...

[cheez]

I don't have a problem with euthanasia. I believe that our lives are our own and we should be able choose how we want to die, either that be by natural causes or suicide.

I think euthanasia should be reserved for chronically ill and those of a sound mind. Only people who are mentally competent to understand what they are doing should be able to request euthanasia, and their competency and willingness to die should be confirmed by an independent doctor.

I understand why people are opposed to euthanasia and risk of abuse is there but that is found in all aspects of life, and I don't think that fear should stop people from choosing how they want to end their life.

I understand that some people believe that it is morally wrong to practice euthanasia and suicide in general, but I don't think it right to tell people how they will end their life.

I don't like the idea of euthanasia and I hope neither I nor my family ever come to a circumstance where it becomes an option but I'm only me and I wont tell anybody on how to live and end their life.

[Agmaster]

Wait wait, so I can't bring entertainment along with my opinion? Can't have them actually enjoy what they're reading, can we? That's very teacher-like of you, Uni.

cheez; It's funny that you say chronically ill. I really can't see how making someone live when they want to die (despite their health, as I'm just saying all mental/emotion state) is ...mello? Cool? Schway? It's kind of schwag if you ask me.

Sure, some people get depressed for awhile. Likely they will say that they want to die. But in time (months, weeks, some people maybe even days) while they may not get over it, they do get over wanting to end it. I mean, if you've wanted to be dead for three years, the only thing stopping you is probably fear. In the end, the choice is yurs to make.

Sound mind is a difficult thing to gauge. From personal experience, I've been pretty able to maintain a normal front while out of it for whatever reason for days at a time. I am sure there are experts, but how much testing would you want to be done before accpeting their words at 'face' value.

[cheez]

Thats a good point you bring up Agmaster I don't think suicide should be illegal each person is in charge of their own life and if somebody doesn't feel like continuing their life for what ever reason then they should be free to end it with out the state interfering.

Euthanasia is assisted suicide however and I don't think the state should offer death to who ever wants to die. Euthanasia should be reserved for people who are chronically ill with no possibility for a cure and respite from pain.

Agmaster your right about the difficulty of determining if a person is of a sound mind I think Oregon's Death With Dignity Act has good requirements I don't agree with all of them but for the most part its good.
Heres the link
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/pas/docs/Requirements.pdf

Heres more information about the Death With Dignity Act if anybody is interested.
http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/pas/ar-index.shtml

[rei_ai]

Yet, another ethical issue. I only read the first post, so I'll just said my opinion as it is.

Euthanasia - My stand: I'm against it.

I believe death must come freely. One shouldn't induce it, no matter how painful it is for the other person. Suffering is another issue. Dying people have different opinions. Personally, I hope they wouldn't seek death easily and try to live their life even if reality is harsh. They also have to consider their family's feelings on making such requests.

That's my stand. If ever someone I know wish for death, I won't give it to him/her.

I still don't know my stand against death penalty, coz sometimes, even if it's legal, there are still people who are not really afraid of it.

[Ileenka]

If I'm suffering from some incurable disease, and say my face or body parts are distorted, and that I only have a limited amount of time to live, I'm just going to take my life sooner to end the suffering. My religion absolutely prohibits it, but that does not stop me.

I cannot make such a decision for other people's lives, I cannot and will never take another life if they are suffering and if they want to die (I won't ever give it to them), but for myself, I will do it myself. In secret.

My family or friends probably won't allow for me to die, but I will set it up and will plan my death in advance and in such meticulous detail that it is an accident, so they will not feel more anguish to know that it is a suicide due to suffering (even though it is). I will take my own life if I want to and yes, I am selfish that way.

Of course, all the above would happen if only I'm extremely unhappy with life at the time of disease.

For someone who is happy with life, have a special someone with them, friends and family, and so on - they would most probably be optimistic throughout the end of it all, and would be able to withstand even the harshest of suffering their diseases are inflicting on their physical bodies. They would not look for an outlet to die fast - and will stick to the very end. It would depend on the individual's outlook on life.

But all I'm saying is, if I know I'm going to die anyway, I would not hesitate to take my own life and no one can stop me. Legalising it, though, would be another matter altogether and to be honest, I am against legalising it. The reasons are already mentioned in the previous pages by earlier posters. If I want to die, I'd just die. I won't make a huge fuss out of it. :P

[Shdo]

people should decide before what is their view, its like saying you want to give your organs in case of death. so it will be written somewhere that if in case i am in a coma for more then 5 years i want to be put down or that if i have some terminally illness i preffer death. i think in the end its the decision of the guy who actually suffer the pain, its easy to judge them for 'leaving their family' or something but does the family needs justify the suffering the patients go through?


also, if you know that you are about to die in 1 year in great pain wouldnt it be more humane to try to make the best of this time, and before the pain starts to kick in to get some poisen or something painless? and in many casses its the medical treatment that prolong the pain for the sake of living, isnt that mending with the natural course? i find it weird that some1 is on life support and people say that they shouldnt be turned off because its forcing death on them. from the start you are forcing life on them, naturaly they dont suppose to be among the living, the decision should be theirs.

[Abigail]

You can fight for your illness, no matter how chronic it is, as long as it has a cure.
And when it comes to inducing merciful killing,
it is a good option for a person that is suffering from uncurable disesase and experiencing severe pain, they're just waiting for their time to go.
Applying euthanasia in these type of cases was acceptable.

[Akayai]

I support Euthanasia. Forcing people to live in pain or misery because it defies god makes me wonder is that whats really intended for this person? How can you justify prolonging pain, it doesn't come as easily to me as it does for others i suppose. If Euthanasia can be requested by the patient then no problems that should be allowed (under proper circumstances : Uncurable disease/pain ) If not then the issue lies in the hands of the doctor and legal guardian/spouse.

[neverwinter]

Im neither for or against it, but I do believe that individuals should at least be given the choice.

I dont hold to any religious views on the matter, and I am probably going to contradict myself in a sense but...

See, I dont believe that suicide is right, that taking your life because of depression or something similiar is wrong, because in the long wrong your still in control of your life and can turn things around. But, if a person is suffering from an incurable illness, and is going to die under a LOT of pain and suffering, then thats where I think Euthanasia may be acceptable.

Nobody likes seing loved ones in pain, and its even worse if you watch them slowly degenerate in front of you. Is it humane to let them live like that and go through so much pain? I dont think it is, so these people should at least have the choice to decide for themselves. Or what about cases of people who are in a sense brain dead? They cant think for themselves, cant dress themselves etc, what type of quality of life do they have trapped in their own mind? Again I think immeiate family should be able to make a choice of wether to keep them alive or use Euthanasia.

[Rain]

I still support it, although my views may have changed slightly as of late

I won't go into it here, but there is a personal reason that I'm glad euthanasia is not legalized now

I've begun to think more about what if the person wants to die, but if they hold on for a bit, and despite what doctors said would happen, they got somewhat better

Not completely, but to the point where don't want to die anymore

forcing them to live, although virtually torturous, might be good in this case

[Fortunate]

It's situational for me.

My first dog was hit by a car, which left him paralyzed. We didn't want him to live with the pain, nor do we want to have to put so much effort into taking care of a cripple animal. So we choose to put him down. I guess it didn't help that I wasn't really fond of the dog.

I would probably do the same for a person, that I'm close to, who is being kept alive by some sort of machine.

I'm unsure of how I'd approach a person in a coma. :(

[gab00n]

I've had two dogs put down before, one just wouldn't stop fighting with the other dogs and it kept on getting torn up real bad. The other was very old and had cancer, could no longer eat and could hardly walk so we put it down.

I think it should be an option for people to choose themselves. If I was really old and had one foot in the grave I'd would rather take something than cause problems for my family. Especially if all the medical costs were draining them financially or eating into their inheritance.

I'm an atheist so I have no problem with choosing the date of my death as opposed to waiting to die. The only reasons religious people have with it is that some book says there is a hell and if you kill yourself you will burn for all eternity. I find it highly amusing that people actually believe that. Except Muslims, they get 72 virgins which is way better than burning for all eternity.

[Fyrefox]

Despite being Christian, I'm for it. If you're suffering and are going to die anyway, then I'll grant your wish. However, if you're gonna recover, then sorry, no go. Life sucks, get over it.

[Superunknown]

Though I'm a bit over-religious, I believe Euthanasia should be done as to give someone a death with dignity. If someone is suffering of a terminal disease or something incurable, then it is okay to end his life since he is going to die later. It is better to kill them without pain rather than having them die painfully by the disease they're suffering.

[Honeyhammer]

I was raised with a Christian background, albeit a very liberal one, so I support euthanasia (as in a person's right to it). While I believe the life we are given is precious, I also believe that life was given to us with choices , including the choice of what we do with it. We all have right to life- we have the right to protect it with all we have. Therefor, I believe we all have a right to death as well, as well as choosing when we want to die.

In the case of euthanasia, I believe it should be a decision agreed upon by the person, their family, and the doctor. Each needs to know every detail and all the chances. It's very difficult to make a decision for a vegetative person when you never knew their wishes for such a situation. In that case, I believe it falls upon the family to make a decision if the doctor says there is no point of return.

I think some people forget that such a decision for a family is extremely difficult and extremely emotional. This is by no means an easy decision - they are trying to make the right decision for that person and for their family, all the while battling the attachment and emotions. Choosing to pull the plug or keep a person alive is not a walk in the park, and it is not a selfish decision. As painful as the decision is, it is equally painful to watch a person you love suffer or remain in a vegetative state.

I know the topic of "dying naturally" has been brought up before with people on life support or in a vegetative state, but remember, "life support" is not "natural," and in that sense that person would have died long ago. (Not trying to accuse or anything, just wanted point out something) In the case where it is sure that the patient will die eventually and is only suffering, if the patient so chooses to end their suffering there, it should be their choice. In the end, they are the ones suffering most.

In a perfect world, things like this would never happen. In a good world, people would discuss this before anything happened to know what the person's wishes were, but this doesn't happen most of the time. If it were I, and I was in a vegetative state and was brain dead, I would not want my parents to keep me on life support. In this case, I believe the body just becomes a shell for the soul. I am already dead. If I was in pain and had no hope of survival, I would not want to continue the suffering, nor would I want my family to continue to watch me suffer.

The area becomes more gray when you get into coma and brain activity. It's difficult to make a decision when a person may miraculously wake up - but who knows for how long if ever? For a person with a terminal illness who is suffering, their choice to euthanasia should remain open, if the doctor and family agree that no recovery is in sight. If the family disagrees, I think it should ultimately lie with the patient and the doctor. In the end it is their choice to life or death, and in that case where they can make the judgment and choice for themselves, no one else should decide what they do with their life. For me, personally, I would rather die by choice than wither away suffering. In this way I believe euthanasia offers a "dignified" death if the person so chooses. By no means do I believe this decision is an easy one either. I hardly believe that it could ever become available to just anybody who wanted to end their life. It would only be in very special cases with the doctor agreeing to do the procedure and agreeing that the patient's condition was incurable.

This is of course, all just a personal belief. Just wanted to add my two cents.