Assisted Dying: Archbishop Welby Urges Mps To Reject Bill

[naomi24]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34166605

I think he's utterly wrong. What do you think?

[Svejk]

/// I also think that the "noes" are in a position of "I don't agree with this so you shouldn't be able to do it" whereas the yes position seems to me to be " I think people should be allowed this choice" ///

Yeah, that's kind of how society works, woof. I've got a surprisingly long list of things I'd like to do.....but can't.

[agchristie]

I think it is wrong that there is potential interference in the political system and I doubt that MP's would be influenced significantly by this intervention. Our head of state does not get involved so what right has the Archbishop got to attempt to put moral pressure on those in Parliament?

[jourdain2]

Sensitive doctors have always quietly 'helped'. To make it legal would add to a lot of pressures and they're right, it would cross a moral line which could lead to anything.

[Baldric]

I don't think he should 'knock it' until he's tries it!

[woofgang]

Joudain, that's what I mind. Sensitive doctors are helping but they are taking decisions that they have no right to take. They have already crossed that moral line by making decisions about what they will do or not to do people without the person's knowledge or consent.

Svejk how many of those things on your list would not harm others?

[retrocop]

I recall a medical concoction named Mist Brompton. Used for terminally ill patients nearing their demise.
The ward sister could ring up the relatives and say with almost clockwork precision,"you better come in within the next 2 hours and say your goodbyes"
That was the last killer dose of pain relief.

[retrocop]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brompton_cocktail

[Svejk]

There's the rub, woofgang. You don't feel this harms other people. But I'm worried that it might.
Nobody, I would think, wants to cause unnecessary suffering to anyone. Indeed, I'd consider helping someone to end their lives under the current legislation.
I'm afraid these campaigners, like all campaigners once they get a foot in the door, will keep pushing the boundaries. That's certainly what happened in other countries. (where they now have death on demand for healthy people)
I'm sure you're a very nice person who wouldn't dream of hurting anyone for all the tea in China. Unfortunately we live in a world where people would, and very often do, 'kill their granny for a tenner'.
And there will come an unspoken pressure on elderly people 'not to be a bother'. Not to cost their family a fortune in care costs.
^Won't always be unspoken, either.

[douglas9401]

A few odd bods will not hold back progress on this important issue.
Healthcare operatives will eventually be given the choice to opt in or out as their conscience dictates then we can all slip away in a quiet and dignified way to be recycled by the universe.

Justin's entitled to his opinion but it's just that, no more, no less.
In any event should he not ultimately rejoice in tortured souls getting what he and his fellow religionists promise them if only they believe? Blessed release and eternal salvation. Can't have it all ways, much as he would like to.

[Jackdaw33]

I believe a Brompton cocktail was given to King George V. The reason being that by hastening his death it would be in time for the morning papers, rather than the less reputable evening ones.

[woofgang]

The Brompton cocktail could be used for weeks or, more rarely, months before death.

[ludwig]

I agree that he's utterly wrong.

[DaisyNonna]

What does "assisted dying" really mean?
My father was told not to try to feed or give my mother water.
He said that would kill her.
The doctor said "Yes."

[ummmm]

Daisy....If they are terminal, withdrawing basic treatment (food and water) speeds up what is going to happen in the very near future...

Assisted is handing them the meds to take an overdose or accompanying them to Switzerland to take their own lives.

[DaisyNonna]

Speeds up? Over a week later. How much did she suffer? At home, no daily visits, no pain relief.

[ummmm]

I know...I've been there. I suppose it depends what's wrong, how long they suspect they have and the level of consciousness.

My dad died of cancer and his last few weeks were a rapid decline. They just made him comfortable. we'd never know what killed him first. The cancer or the starvation/dehydration.

This is an extreme example of assisted

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/majornews/3689907/Parents-of-rugby-player-in-Dignitas-assisted-suicide-will-not-face-charges.html

[Svejk]

And what of the majority of doctors opposed to state sanctioned murder or assisted dying as some like to call it.
Will they end up with the same rights(sarc) as the US wedding clerk? Or perhaps the Catholic nurses who couldn't/ wouldn't assist with abortions.