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Should euthanasia or "death with dignity" be available to anyone upon demand under controlled circumstances?

When I hear people talk about the difficulty of euthanizing their elderly or desperately ill pets I immediately think that at least we accord our pets a more logical and merciful death than we do to our fellow humans. The wonders of modern medicine can be as much a curse as they are a blessing. We live in an unprecedented time when we can know what will probably kill us twenty years down the line. To modern doctors death is the enemy which must be fought to the last possible moment. Little concern is given to the quality of life of the patient/victim, only that they be kept alive.
The conspiracy is broad-based. Big Pharma wants to keep you on maintenance drugs and never seems to come up with cures. A patient cured is a customer lost. If they stumbled across a $1 cure for AIDS or cancer would we ever hear of it? And then there are the private, for-profit health insurance companies that are really legalized extortion and protection rackets sucking billions out of the health-care system for administration, profits and to pay lawyers to find ways not to honor the benefits spelled out in their policies. The patient is but a scrap of meat ground up in the gears of corporate medicine. If we truly have free will shouldn't we be allowed to opt out?
There are many reasons someone may want to take advantage of doctor assisted suicide. One would be to avoid a prolonged and torturous illness. Another might be to avoid being a burden to loved ones. There are also those who are alone in life and don't want to go through the steady drip, drip of watching their bodies deteriorate due to age. If the request is initiated by the patient, there is no outside duress and the patient has thought through their decision with the consul of medical professionals what gives the state the right to deny such a request no matter what the circumstances? Like back alley abortions unassisted suicides can be messy affairs that can lead to unintended consequences like paralysis or brain damage. The primary reason for legalizing abortions was to end horrific atrocities committed in non-clinical circumstances. Wouldn't the same argument apply to suicide?

GareBear517 7 Nov 13
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60 comments (26 - 50)

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2

What is life but freedom? Freedom to live the way we want and to do the things we do. True, suffering is part of life and we should try to reduce suffering when it happens. If people are living through excruciating pain then I believe it is their decision if they want to end their life, on their terms. Doctors should help to alleviate suffering but they should not be the ones who end a life, it's not fair on them. I think that whoever wants to be euthanized should be given an anesthetic before being euthanized. But they themselves should be the one to do it.
I'm thinking a process of anesthetic gas then an asphyxiating gas.

Also just for the record. Sometimes it is best to live through the pain. My dad is still alive, he is in his 50's. He broke his neck in 4 places, takes multiple injections and medication just to stay alive and he has arthritis in both his hands. He can't sleep well at night due to sleep apnoea and his broken neck surgery. But he still wants to live to see me and my sister grow up. We are both adults but I want him to keep living.

If one day he did say he had enough and that he wanted to be euthanized, I'd stay by his side until the end. He's lived a great life. He's been the best father that he could, even if he was away so often with work when I was a kid. I realized that he was working hard for his family.

Taking a life is never easy. But I'd rather he pass away peacefully, without having to go through all that pain.

You mentioned "anesthetic gas then an asphyxiating gas" but beware that the wrong gas can make for a very unpleasant death. CO2 or carbon monoxide is noxious and before it can knock you out you experience disorientation, panic, hyperventilation, convulsions then unconsciousness, and eventually death.

I am not advocating this nor will I describe the kit or set up but the concept is simple. If helium replaces the oxygen you normally breathe that deprives the brain of oxygen causing a rapid loss of consciousness and death. The last thing you want to experience before dying is panic, disorientation and convulsions and an inert, non-toxic gas will do that. Along with may other considerations and preparations.

Well there's always an anesthetic and a gun. But that wouldn't be legal for the rest of the world. Only America.

Being double in continent or looking my senses through dementia or death with dignity... no contest in my mind

1

In regards to assisted suicide, this is a funny and I think, true story from hilarious comedian Doug Stanhope. Please watch this video. It’s not too long.

Great routine! I love Doug Stanhope!

He’s pretty damn funny. One of the best

I will check it out thanks

3

Absolutely it should. As you say, what gives the government the right to come between you, your choices and your medical professionals, no matter the circumstances.

2

Honestly, who are they to say that we aren't ready to die?
I believe human beings should reserve the ability to go to the doctor and be able to pass peacefully instead of constantly struggling each day.

2

Of course.

2

Definitely yes. Saw my father's mother kept alive in a vegetative state for 7 years following a stroke. Then my mom's mother who I was extremely close with lived to 109 in a rehab center-but the last 2 years of her life she did not want to be alive. She would cry out in the middle of the night and they would drug her and she had difficulty eating so they spoon fed her with baby food. I couldn't bear to see her that way and my cousins didn't understand why I wouldn't visit her those last 2 years. I have a medical proxy upon my health declaring that no feeding tube is to be authorized-I believe in a dignified death and euthanasia.

0

There need to be some obvious safeguards, but definitely yes.

3

Yes. Without hesitation, I say yes. My brother died from complications of AIDS, my father from complications from Alzheimer's disease and my mother died from Emphysema. All were unnecessarily long and quite horrible to watch. While medical science has extended life, little has been accomplished to improve the quality of those extra years which too often are filled with pain, lack of mobility, confinement, and warehousing of the aged, ill, suffering and forgotten.

What is more fundamental than the right to choose when you have suffered enough? To be able to make that choice, prepare for your departure and control the circumstances surrounding your death seems the most humane outcome for this final struggle for control and self determination.

Ten likes for you!

Well said, and I'm sorry for your many losses.

Thank you. Before he died my brother brother said he imagined death would be like taking off a tight shoe. Helping yourself or someone achieve such a passing is a kindness of the highest order.

3

Yes. And I've wondered why believers fight so hard against this. If heaven is real why wouldn't you let your people go?

To the religious it is unnatural and is playing God. They fail to see that the ways of extending life is also unnatural and playing God. I like to think these people say they can't wait to meet Jesus, but not just yet.

2

There are 5 states in the U.S. that have a Death with Dignity program and a number of others are looking into this. However, the program is only available to those dying within 6 months.

One very important aspect of this program is the elimination of the word "suicide". Ones cause of death is listed as the illness that one is dying from.

I absolutely support a euthanasia program for others but it has to have certain parameters to make it palatable to lawmakers.

3

A couple of years ago I saw a video on YouTube of a British Senior showing viewers how to make a Suicide Bag, or Exit Bag. If it wasn't such an important issue for me it would have seemed like a Monty Python skit. She was a good presenter and her design is smart and simple to assemble. The video was pulled and I believe she was forced to stop selling the kits she produced.

But this is a real improvement over poison, firearm and so many other methods. Just Google Exit Bag.

It's not 100% foolproof but there is no need for people to suffer more than they choose to endure. But laws have to change and others must be written to clarify our rights at the end of life.

Good info on Exit Bag. Thanx!

3

It's my life. Keeping people from this is nothing more than controlling others in the name of their religious beliefs. Pretty much the same as telling women what to do with their bodies.

6

Yes. Being alive should not be a prison sentence of suffering.

4

Absolutely. Everyone should have the right to control their destiny.

4

Yes. Civil, compassionate euthanasia should be an option.

4

Absolutely, yes. Why shouldn't we have the right to control our own lives, or deaths?

2

I personally believe euthanize should be available to all . sick or not. Who is to say that we must live in this world if we chose not too? I personally have considered and tried suicide several times. If i could get a doctor to assist me to do it right I would do it now. I have nobody to turn to and I'm in a bad situation. I am disabled and have diabetes and breathing problems. I am living with people that I though cared about me but have found out different. I am pretty much confined to my room and am not to eat here or do laundry. I am called "asshole" among other names. Was flipped the bird and told "fuck you" just yesterday. I am losing weight and my diabetes is out of control. I'm not eating right nor am I taking meds due to not eating. My sugar is running 400 + due to eating junk. I need to find another place to live as they want me out of here . I can't afford to move as they get half my ss check for rent and the other half goes to car payment and insurance. I can let vehicle go or not make payment as I need it for doc appointments but rarely drive but have a co signer and cannot default on the loan. I am really depressed and getting worse by the day. I need help. I don't want to cause any trouble for these people, I just want out .. I'm in Oregon and its cold outside and I wouldn't survive on the streets. I afraid that's were I will be at the first of the month. I don't know what to do here.. any advice would be appreciated thanks

It sounds as if you need medical and social help rather than euthanasia at this point in your life. I don't live in the USA so I don't know what organisatiuons there are where yoyu live that can give you advice about how to improve your situation. Is there anyon e on this site from your area who would know what you need to do?

4

As a life-long dog owner I have faced the euthanasia of deeply loved ones many times. It is Necessary!
If I was a good daughter, I would have helped my Mom when she needed it. A Huge regret! If I had let a dog suffer like she suffered in her last days, I would rightly have been prosecuted.......

2

I am hoping we become more civalisesx and euthanasia is an option avaiable to be in my old age. Dignity is what I hope for.

2

I feel like we should be allowed to decide for ourselves. We should have our own freedom when
we are ready to die. You would need to make sure that you would be ready for sure.

1

Having been the first person to put Dr. Kevorkian in jail in Michigan I know a thing or two about assisted suicide. In answer to the question, we all have the same "right to die" so I believe that the laws allowing assisted suicide for only those with six months to live violates the equal protection clause. The problem with any assisted suicide is that there is no way to regulate it. The only way you know that someone really wants to die is if they do it themselves. Freshman year in college in a philosophy course I saw a film of a guy who had 3rd degree burns over 60% of his body. The way they treat burn victims is to keep them in water to keep the burns moist. The problem is that it's stupidly painful. The guy was yelling "kill me, kill me." He got through the treatment and they played the tape back for him and asked, "did you really want to die/" and he said "of course not." You may not like how you have to kill yourself, stopping eating, bag over your head etc. but if you want to die you need to do it yourself. otherwise every one on one murder, the defendant just has to say, "he told me to kill him." Of course once it's regulated, it's no longer your choice, like in Oregon where you have to have two doctors say you're not crazy and a court to approve it. We have suicide hotlines because we think suicidal people have a mental defect--you can't have it both ways. Bottom line is that everyone, whether they have six months to live (apparently it's ok for them to be in excruciating pain in the 7th month) or just lost their family in the Oklahome Cith bombing and don't want t live anymore, has an equal right to die. By the way, please stop dragging animals into the discussion. We don't "treat animals better" animals can't commit suicide and need out our help.

lerlo Level 8 Dec 23, 2017

Incapacitated people can't commit suicide, either, and need our help! I wouldn't be proud to say I helped put Dr. Kevorkian in jail. He was blazing a path to humane treatment and mercy for the dying that can only be understood by secular humanists. I live in Oregon. The assisted suicide law on the books now is practically useless. The patient has to jump through hoops that would be daunting to a 25 yr. old in perfect health. I'm in poor health and have tried to make inquiries from my doctors in preparation for the time that will come. All I get is stonewalled. Why should I go out in bloody violence or terror when a peaceful death is possible? In Oregon, the patient has to be capable of administering the deadly dose himself, another ridiculous barrier for many.

Sorry for your struggles. Wasn't bragging about putting Kevorkian in jail, just suggesting that after a year and a half of research into assisted suicide I might know something about it. Everyone CAN commit suicide, as I said, you might not like how you have to do it. There is a reason the medical profession is against it: They took an oath to preserve life not end it. Kevorkian, the ghoul, was blazing a path for himself. He was pathologist and obsessed with death. If you look up Kevorkian's paintings you'll find one with Santa Claus coming down the chimney stomping on an infant. We need to push the medical profession to adequately treat pain, not sentence people to death. At the time I had the case and maybe still, in the Netherlands where assisted suicide was not prosecuted, people were wearing necklaces saying "don't kill me" because 60% of people in hospitals were killed without consent. Unfortunately it can't be adequately regulated. You don't want any regulations, unfortunately some medical professionals and family members who no longer want to care for family members will take advantage of no regulations. Hang in there!

@lerlo I don't understanbd why you say it can't be regulated. It seems to work fine in Switzerland and the Netherlands. Sadly switzerland is the only country which will allow medically assisted suicide for non-nationals, and it is expensive but there are plenty of safeguards to prevent misuse. Of course we can all find a way to end our lives if we are willing to upset lots of other people by doing it in a nasty, messy way, but why should we have to? Why can't we go with comfort and dignity when we want to?

@CeliaVL Just because there are laws doesn't mean it's regulated. In oregon if the judge and two psychiatrists say that you're suicidal, you can't do it? I would suggest reading my numerous responses if you're curious about the multitude of problems. When I had the case, the Netherlands didn't prosecute it and 60% of people were killed without consent and patients wore necklaces saying "please don't kill me."

@lerlo It looks as if you have been misled by some faith-based propaganda. Both the Dutch government and Dutch medical association have confirmed that 'Don't kill me' bracelets do not exist. They think Rick Santorum, who made the claim, may be confusing them with 'Do not resuscitate' bracelets, which are very common with old people. Always worth doing a fact check on extraordinary claims!

@CeliaVL Sorry to inject some truth here but of course the doctors doing the killing won't admit that involuntary euthanasia exists. Here are some facts: Dr. Herbert Hendin, an expert on Dutch euthanasia in Issues in Law and Medicine:
...a Protestant group also opposed to euthanasia, they distribute a “passport for life” that patients carry, indicating that in medical emergencies they do not want their lives terminated without their consent.
In "The Report of the Dutch Government Committee on Euthanasia, 7 Issues in Law and Medicine 339 (1991) Dr. Richard Fenigsen found that 14,691 cases of INVOLUNTARY euthanasia occurred annually in the Netherlands. Of the 8,100 cases where morphine was given in excessive doses with the intent to terminate life, 61% were done WITHOUT THE PATIENT'S CONSENT. (P.341) These cases were reported not as involuntary euthanasia but as "pain relief."

I researched euthanasia for a year and a half and I didn't get a 7-0 decision in the Michigan Supreme Court citing false facts. Please don't confuse me with Rick Santorum but of course you are allowed to believe whatever lets you sleep at night.

@lerlo I won't dispute your information since I haven't read it. I think you will find, though, that there is very strong support in numerous countries for changing the laws on pain relief in terminal illness, and medically assisted dying in cases of terminal and life-limiting illness. it used to be the case in the UK that terminally ill patients who were in severe and intractable pain were given doses of morphine which led directly to their death - that is, involuntary euthanasia. This was considered normal procedure and no-one objected. Since the Harold Shipman case and the vast increase in money-chasing litigation, however, doctors have become afraid to do this with the result that a considerable number of patients now spend their last days and even weeks screaming in agony and begging their families and doctors to put them out of their misery. The doctors are afraid to give them the dose of morphine that would be adequate for pain relief because they know that this dose will shorten the patient's life. It is all very well to say that we must improve our palliative care techniques, etc., but I think we need the option to choose to end our lives and to givbe doctors permission to do this when it is clearly the right thing. I would certainly have no objection to people carrying cards etc., saying that they wish to be resuscitated, treated, etc. In the UK this is the default position and you have to provide the paperwork if you do not want to be resuscitated, which can be complicated in emergency situations. The important thing is to make sure that your family know your wishes. I am sure we can find a way to meet everyone's needs and wishes if we show willingness to discuss it, but unfortunately many people don't want to accept that they are going to die.

@CeliaVL You realize you said that people were given morphine without consent, involuntary euthanasia, AND NO ONE COMPLAINED. Do you mean like the dead person? 🙂 Or the family of the dead person who no longer wanted the burden didn't complain 🙂 Doctors are supposed to do no harm and help people to live. Everyone has the right to suicide, even people who are not terminal. The only way you know that someone wants to kill themselves is if they do it themselves. I think we should focus more on developing ways to control pain. People can stop eating, drive their car off a cliff. If they are dying does it really matter how they do it--rather than force a profession which takes an oath not to cause harm to do it? By the way, if you give morphine to a patient with Lou Gehrig's disease it will ease their pain but it will suffocate them, why is that "dignified?"

@lerlo On that specific point, clearly, if you have Lou Gehrig's disease and wish to end your life, a more pleasant and dignified way of doing so needs to be found.I disagree that the only way to know if people really mean it is if they do it themselves - someone who is screaming in agony during their last days and begging to be put out of their misery is hardly in a position to do it themselves. I would be happy to let people do it themselves if they can be supplied legally with the means to do it in a decent and painless way. I would very much like to be able to go to the doctor and say 'Please can I have the drugs to end my life, and then do it myself at home, surrounded by family and friends. Not everyone has a car or a nearby cliff, and starving to death is very unpleasant and protracted for those watching.

1

Absolutely yes. This is a no-brainer, IMO.

0

If I have a terminal disease that includes symptoms of extreme pain, and anesthesia is not working, I want the right and means to end my life.

In most countries you don't have that right. You can be screaming in agony at the end of terminal cancer for days, because the analgesia is no longer working and the doctor will not put you out of your misery because he is afraid of prosecution. Do not believe those who say we can control pain these days. We can only do it up to a point and the doctors will refuse to increase the dose of, for example, morphine, because they know that if they increase it enough to remove the pain, it will kill the patient.

0

I have read many arguments for and against the various levels of euthanasia.

There was a recent article about making it more easily accessible here [dailymail.co.uk].

The suicide pod is a bit silly. It is much easier to use nitrogen or helium with a plastic bag. But it would be much better and more pleasant and dignified if we could just go to the doctor and say we have had enough and want to end our lives.

0

I believe so. I was influenced in much of my thinking by Robert Heinlein growing up. Time Enough For Love is as much my bible as anything else. The ultimate freedom is having the choice to pick your time to pass on.

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