euthanasia?

[asciwhite]

What are peoples opinions on this?

[WendyS]

If I develop a terminal illness which ends in terrible suffering, or a condition which causes me to be physically unable to look after my basic needs such as washing, toileting, feeding etc, I believe I should legally have the right to end my own life at a time I deem appropriate.. I get quite cross with the pro-life brigade who preach that life is valuable at any level when most of us have known individuals and loved ones who have suffered terribly towards the end and who would have given anything to be relieved of unendurable suffering. While hospices do a great job, many of us might not want to end up in one of them at the end . I believe it is quite wrong that terminally ill individuals should have to travel out of the country to end their suffering at a time when most of them are clearly unwell and unfit to cope with that kind of ordeal. Of course there would have to be appropriate safeguards to prevent abuse but I'm getting quite tired of our elected politicians thinking that they know better than everybody else when it comes to legislation on our behalf. We're supposed to be a civilised country but we still treat our sick animals better than we allow humans to be treated at the end.

[Polotoo]

I'm really shocked, and pleased that everyone sees to be of the same opinion.

I heartily agree, euthanasia should be allowed, controlled yes, but allowed.

My nan, sadly, has alziehmers (sp?) and she would have hated for us to see her like this, and unfortunately being diagnosed at a relatively young age (63 or thereabouts) she could last much longer, she's now 75, can't talk, wash, use the loo, feed herself or anything. Its awful for those around her, I don't know how my grandfather copes, I know I couldn't.

My husband knows that if I go like that, I would rather die and not be a burden to anyone. And go out whilst I'm still able to enjoy life as theres nothing worse than being a human vegatable.

Ah well better go before I get too deep and meaningful! (and depressed)

xx

[Drisgirl]

My parents neighbour and close friend passed away last night.His absolutely gem of a wife nursed him at home.latterly with the aid of the McMillan Nurses,to the end.They had been married 52 yrs.My dad went to see him in the afternoon and he was quite heavily sedated , but he opened his eyes when Dad went in and spoke and said''the candles oot' put out his hand and shook my Dads hand.His family are devastated at their loss - but to see a man who was at least 6'2" at 8 and a half stones and in intense pain (he did get pain relief in the end) must have been more devastaing for his family as that will be their lasting memory.I'm selfish and glad that I remember him as he was.

[shaneystar2]

My Dad died over thirty years ago from cancer. He had pneumoniconiosis..asbestos related. Five years prior to his death he had a lung removed and it was sad to a great bear of a man slowly deteriorate to nothing but a bag of bones. He lost the use of his legs as the cancer progressed into his spine and then into his brain. He was on morphine. Mum and I nursed him.On the day he died,at home, the doctor came in ..,as he he did every day and we begged him to give Dad something for the pain. He gave him an injection and he died a few hours later... I still maintain that this kind doctor overdosed my dad on morphine and he slipped away.
I hope someone will do that for me if it ever comes to that.

[Drisgirl]

Shaney - how painful for you and your mum.I think you have summed this post up with your personal experience.

btw - just coincidentally that is what my mum and dads neighbour had.Also , although they would never admit it , Doctors do aid in a very humanitarian way.My uncle was helped along by nurses.Thankfully.

[asciwhite]

O.K folks, I'm laying in bed on painkillers from the doc and MrAsci is at home looking after me as he has been all week, I will get back on my feet after this relapse as if all is well with this world, will I end up a burden? no.

Giving you all a big big hug and if anyone is close to you now, then give them a big big hug too!!!!!

Asciwhite xx

[Drisgirl]

Bless you asci - big huge hug from me XXXX

[smudge]

So sorry to hear about your Dad Shaney. It must have been such a hard time for you, your Mum & all around you.

I hope you will soon be feeling much better soon asci - take care & keep warm. -xx-

[gessoo]

Like Shaney's Dad, my Dad also died from cancer of the brain, his illness lasting over two years (some 25 years ago now). He was a big strong man of only 63 when he was taken ill and it was dreadful to watch his gradual painful decline. Also like Shaney, I believe that it was the doctor who administered the morphine and made the decision to take him off all other medications who kindly assisted my Dad to die.

I think that, fortunately, doctors do this quite regularly.

However, my poor Dad had to suffer years of pain which if, euthanasia was legal, could have been avoided.