Assisted Suicide

[paul.karen]

Just curious if we as humans should have the ability to decide enough is enough.
If in sound mind and body at the time of the decision.
And only if you are dealing with a life threating illness.

Thoughts?

[Sluff]

I struggle a little with this question. I agree only if someone is in excruciating pain and there is no hope for any reasonable quality of life left. That needs to be decided by the person that wants to end his/her life.

[Tinah1968]

I also struggle with this. Some people just want to give up, for alot of reasons, but, I am not sure I agree with letting someone assist because then that would put them in a bad situation. Not only would whomever they help do this loses their life, What If they get caught then they lose their life as well and could be charged with murder.. It is a No Win situation.

[monrein]

http://www.assistedsuicide.org/suicide_laws.html


Here is some information regarding assisted suicide around the world.  I personally like the approaches taken by Switzerland, the Netherlands and Oregon of all places.  What is crucial in my mind is that depression be ruled out as a motive and that "euthanasia" not become an euphemism for killing people who are simply seen as a burden or in the way.

[kitkatz]

I do know when I decide enough is enough there is no power on this Earth that will stop me. I think assisted suicide should be legal in certain circumstances, such as really sick.

[Sunny]

If you are dying of something there is no hope of treatment for, then I can see where a terminally ill patient should have the option for assisted suicide. As long as they are not being "coerced" into it.

[G-Ma]

I think "no hope of cure" and "quality of life" and the decision should be first by the patient and then if needed by someone using the patients wishes.

[Slywalker]

I believe it is totally up to the patient when enough is enough.  Like Kitkatz - I doubt I could be stopped if it ever came to that for me. 

The debate rages in my State from time to time and it is very emotional when both sides present their cases when legislation is introduced.

Sandyb

[Wenchie58]

This is truly a tough one.  There are so many variables.  The definition of "assisted suicide" could be different in everyone's mind.  I had to think about it long and hard.  Couldn't it be considered assisted suicide when a cancer patient is in such bad shape we "make them comfortable" with morphine?  I would have to say that if a family member of mine needed assistance...and there was no hope...I would follow their wishes.

[cookie2008]

After seeing my mom suffer with cancer I would have helped her and I would help a love one that is suffering in the future.