Euthanasia?

[smudge]

Apologies if this question offends anyone, but do you believe in Euthanasia?

[Wisebird]

Yes, Smudge, I definitely do. Have you seen my reply to toffee on the recent cats question. I also understand that it's almost certainly completely impossible to make it legal,for a variety of very good reasons, but having had a variety of pets and been with them whilst it happened, I only wish my father could have had his wish fulfilled and gradually slipped away with his family around him, instead of the unbearable months he had to suffer.

[smudge]

P.S. I know a question on this subject was posted in Feb 2003, but there have been new participants since then, who may wish to voice their opinion.

[Juliann]

What is Euthanasia???

[Brugel]

I think the question is complicated by the fact that there's more than one kind of euthanasia. First, there's voluntary euthanasia in which someone makes it clear that they want to die and a doctor (or someone) then carries this out. Second is non-voluntary euthanasia where the individual cannot express his opinion (perhaps he is in a coma). Third, there is involuntary euthanasia where the individual doesn't want to die and says so but is killed anyway. So it would be possible to support one kind of euthanasia but not others.

[Wisebird]

Would it not be murder, Brugel, if an individual doesn't wan't to die and says so, but he is killed anyway? Or, I suppose, it could be capital punishment?

[emzpips]

euthanaia is a tricky one! under the right circumstances and reasons i believe that it should be legal in a controlled environment, with a doctor present.

[Brugel]

In reply to Anniekon's point, the difference between involuntary euthanasia and murder is that the former (like all forms of euthanasia) is supposed to be done for the benefit of the person killed. So the idea is that the individual is better off dead but doesn't realise it. I don't know if there are any real-life examples of this. I seem to recall someone about to go to a concentration camp with his family who killed his child rather than have the child suffer in the camp. But I don't know whether this is a real example or whether I remember it from a film.

[Wisebird]

Thanks Brugel. I see what you mean now. I am sure a lot of people have killed their families in the situation you outline. What a terrible position to be put into!

[Philtaz]

It probably goes against the grain considering the job I do but yes, I do believe in euthanasia and a persons right to it. After all if it is an individual choice why should it be an offence. People often live(or should that be exist if they are suffering?) in extreme agony and pain with no chance of a cure for their ailment and the aleviation of that condition is often just a stop gap in prolonging the agony. People say Doctors are supposed to keep people alive but it's not tha clear cut. They are supposed to prevent suffering and pain where in many extreme cases they exacerbate it. I firmly believe that people should be allowed to have the choice of euthanasia.

[Wisebird]

It seems that we can practice euthanasia on our animals out of compassion, but we cannot do this for our loved ones. Therefore, animals are afforded more humane treatment. I cannot come to terms with this, especially if someone is suffering and knows there is no hope and expresses their desire to die this way.

[kraekerc]

This is a tricky one, because one millisecond after the deed is done you can't change your mind. Eternity is a long time. I would think a person would really want to consider this question very seriously. Some countries in Europe (Netherlands) have embrassed a controlled euthanasia, however it is still pretty much frown upon in both Canada and the US. Each side has so many examples and stories. It is usually performed when the quality of life is gone and there is no hope of survival. But who is going to want to make that decision. Unfortunately the incredible cost of health care these days is often help making the decision. Who puts in the many checks and balances that are so important. Who makes the final decision? Who makes sure it is not mis-used? But then most countries have legalized abortions. I guess if we kill'em before they are born, what's the difference if we end their life when they are old and sick and no longer a value to a family or society? So many questions ...not enough answers!

[DOB]

Don't do it smudge - we'd all miss you!

[Dagman]

I read somewhere that in Australia (I think) there is a program set up for people to take a test if they wish to die. It comprises of many questions which must all be answered in a particular way for that person to qualify. Seems the best way to do it so far! I believe in euthanasia however I couldn't administer it if I were a doc. Perhaps there could also be an automated system for this too! Anyone else read this?

[vittoria]

I think if someone was truly suffering they should be allowed to die with dignity if this is what they wish; but I also worry that people could be "euthanised" when they become too expensive to treat...