Assisted suicide - an author's view

[Ronin]

I found this in my wanderings on teh interweb. I found it moving and thought provoking.

For the 3 of you who don't know, Terry Pratchett is the author of the Disc World series of books (amongst others) who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers.

It's a long read but worth it.

'I believe that if the burden gets too great, those who wish should be allowed to be shown the door,' he said. 'In my case, in the fullness of time, I hope it will be in the garden under an English sky. Or, if wet, the library.'

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/a...icides-UK.html

[Trudes]

I hope someone puts me down like I would my cat if he got too old or sick to enjoy life any more. Kindest thing you can do for some people. Should be allowed to be a personal choice. JMHO.

[Karl08]

Passive or Active Euthanasia- I am not fussed, people should have the chance to die with dignity.

I am all for it.

[Hitcher]

Despite some high profile cases that define the extremes of the spectrum of views on this matter, the bits in between are an ethical minefield.

People should be able to live and die with dignity. I have issues about people being able to choose the time of their death on their own terms (suicide), particularly when this comes as a shock to their friends and families who can be burdened with guilt and grief for years afterwards, and sometimes that never gets satisfactorily resolved.

I once worked with a guy who took his own life. The person who found him was his six-year-old son who opened the garage door and found his dad hanging. Lovely.

"Assisted suicide" is a concept that covers a range of territory from manslaughter at one end, to consensual medical intervention at the other. In other words, at least 256 shades of grey. It's no wonder legislators struggle with this.

Modern palliative care means nobody needs to die in pain, if they can afford it. How much of this that should be funded by taxpayers is another subject for debate.

As an atheist I don't believe in life after death or "eternal damnation" or other such measures dreamed up to incentivise or disincentivise suicide. As an atheist I believe that every second we are alive should be worth living -- both personal worth and the worth of our friends, family and those who love us.

[Skyryder]

The issue I have with Euthanasia is the bit 'thou shalt not kill.' While there are no doubt many valid reasons where an indavidul decides to end their life the problems arise where murder could be hidden under the guise of assisted suicide. Then there is the ethical dilema of assistance and the technicalites of actually carrying out the procedure. Should this be a buisness where people get paid for this?? Make euthanasia lawfull and in time this will be removed from the doctor to their assistant and before long there will be private euthanasia clinics. Nope I'm afraid no matter what arguements their are for.......... the stronger arguement 'is' against.


Skyryder

[Mom]

Suicide is an horrendous thing to be close to.

I have some very strong views on it.

Allowing someone to die in abject misery is an horrendous thing to be close to.

I have some very strong views on tht too.

Assisting them to die as painlessly and peacefully as possible, surrounded by the love of their family and friends is one thing. Putting a pillow over their face is another all together.

[Ronin]

Modern palliative care means nobody needs to die in pain, if they can afford it. How much of this that should be funded by taxpayers is another subject for debate.

It was interesting to read Pratchett saying the same thing and then noting that having your brain rot away is a wholly different matter.

It is an ethical and moral minefield. Suicide as a means to end emotional pain is abhorrent. The question is where do we draw the line?

I have a feeling that as a person of relatively sound mind and body, I will only be qualified to answer if I am ever in the position of having to decide myself.

[Hitcher]

Mom, you've described the issues more succintly than I did. And you've also illustrated why law makers struggle with this. The state government of Northern Territory was lauded by liberals when it legislated for euthanasia some years ago. However the Australian Federal government had the presence of mind to overturn that when this legislation proved to be problematic in its intent and interpretation.

[Hitcher]

I will only be qualified to answer if I am ever in the position of having to decide myself.

Or not. There are many stories of couples entering into pre-altzheimers pacts and then sadly forgetting that they had them. Life can be a bitch, but mostly it's way better than the alternative.

[Ronin]

The issue I have with Euthanasia is the bit 'thou shalt not kill.' While there are no doubt many valid reasons where an indavidul decides to end their life the problems arise where murder could be hidden under the guise of assisted suicide. Then there is the ethical dilema of assistance and the technicalites of actually carrying out the procedure. Should this be a buisness where people get paid for this?? Make euthanasia lawfull and in time this will be removed from the doctor to their assistant and before long there will be private euthanasia clinics. Nope I'm afraid no matter what arguements their are for.......... the stronger arguement 'is' against.


Skyryder

All very good points. The devils advocate would ask how would you feel if you were faced with the slow loss of who you are?

I like the idea of using Coroners in the process. I can't help but feel that in the right circumstance the process could be managed. But only in the right and very narrow circumstance.

[Ronin]

Or not. There are many stories of couples entering into pre-altzheimers pacts and then sadly forgetting that they had them. Life can be a bitch, but mostly it's way better than the alternative.

There is a certain irony in that. Don't get me wrong. I'm an atheist and think that the happily ever afterlife is about as likely as a certain manufacturer honouring a warranty.

The loss of intellect scares the shite out of me.

[Ronin]

Suicide is an horrendous thing to be close to.

I have some very strong views on it.

Allowing someone to die in abject misery is an horrendous thing to be close to.

I have some very strong views on tht too.

Assisting them to die as painlessly and peacefully as possible, surrounded by the love of their family and friends is one thing. Putting a pillow over their face is another all together.

Good answers there Mom.

[MadDuck]

People should be able to live and die with dignity.

Yes they should. I have been subjected to a mate who decided life was just too hard. Suicide by someone who really didnt need to go there. What an ass!

I have also had to make to decision to end a life legally through the turning off of life support.

To be honest it was easier making the decision to legally say goodbye to someone that I cared for deeply. Knowing they would not truely recover and would not want to live in a vegatative state.

I now have a living will that gives one person the right to make the decision without legal ramifications.

[Hitcher]

I now have a living will that gives one person the right to make the decision without legal ramifications.

Really? I think you'll find that you can't contract out of the law or give somebody consent to murder you.

[MadDuck]

Really? I think you'll find that you can't contract out of the law or give somebody consent to murder you.

Sorry maybe I wasnt quite clear. Not murder but the legal ability to say turn off the machines. She wouldnt want to be kept alive just in case a miracle cure is found.....