Should physician-assisted suicide be legalized in Washington and Idaho as it is in Oregon?
60 Comments
Paul Greisen said:
No person should be helped to commit suicide. It is a dignified way to murder.
Paul Greisen
Millie Lawrence said:
Absolutely, WA should have an assisted death with dignity law. Thank God we do now have Hospice. My Mother died an awful death because at that time the doctors could not even give them medication to help them die. She lingered in great pain asking for help for several days. Hospice is not always available. Very easy to say no when you don't need it. My husband and I are elderly. If and when I need help we will request our children to help us get to Oregon. Thank God some people somewhere understand when pain makes life no longer doable. I do believe EVERYTHING else should be tried first.
When a pet is mortally injured or terminally sick, we put it to sleep so that it doesn't suffer any more. Why don't we keep it alive? Well, we know that this would be selfish, cruel and pointless. The same could be said for people. When I am very old, sick or injured, suffering and unable to function as a human beings, forcing me lay in a bed in utter misery would be selfish cruel and pointless.
Kevin said:
Yes this state should offer it. I am 41 and have been in cronic back pain for 5 + years. After 20 + years of working I have been turned down for SSI Disability 3 times now. I can do things but can not WORK a JOB for 8 hours or more a day 5, 6 or 7 days a week like I used to. My pain is controlled by medication and that is all I can do to help myself, Pre - existing conditions are not covered by insurance and if I could get it, I could not afford to pay $600.00 + a month. What my point here is that someday the pain could or will be more than I can handle or control and to end the pain by ending your life should be an option to a clear thinking person.
Barbara said:
ABSOLUTELY NOT. There is no way that it should be legalized. This is legalized murder. Murder is wrong. People are put in prison everyday for killing someone. What makes it right for doctors to kill people? Doctors are playing the role of God. This isn't right.
Greg Ness said:
Fmr. Surgeon General and Pediatrician C. Everett Koop, MD, Francis Schafer co-wrote, "Whatever Happened to the Human Race"--a landmark book that showed euthenasia and induced abortion have the same ethical arguments. The only reason we have one and not the other is that abortionists have successfully dehumanized the baby in a womb by calling it by the latin name fetus. Now, having been unsuccessful in convincing the US Congress to rewrite EVERY citizen's rights in the constitution; they settled for legislating from the judicial bench by placing judges on imperial liberal courts that take contrived cases (Jane Roe was approached/supported by abortionists and used until she became a pro-life advocate a few years after they got their way). This judicial legislation is then appealed to the highest court resulting in a single branch of government practically "signing" new legislation into law. This has left the baby with no choice and placed a mother's 9 months of inconveinence and adopting out (former solution to a "crisis" pregnancy) above the protection of life that can't speak for itself.
Mother Teresa once told President Clinton, "Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion." In another place she said; "And if we accept that a mother can kill her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another?" There it is: euthenasia is abortion for seniors--no less than sanctioned killing instead of providing appropriate pain relief and a peaceful hospice transition from our life on earth. Concerning abortion, why would we kill our next generation when so many are adopting and spending thousands on infertility workups?
The creation and signing of end of life Medical Directives will make your wishes clear and give your MD a license to provide full comfort. This is the civil and ethical way to resolve these issues while respecting and protecting life.
I guess we shoot horses and euthenize dogs in pain out of our desperation; but humans deserve better treatment.
Sue Goodin said:
Assisted suicide should be legal. I have watched several loved ones suffer for years in excruciating pain before passing. I have also watched many of our animals pass quietly without pain - at the Vet office. We need to show compassion for all living and dying beings. When relief of pain is no longer possible, people should have the option to request a final dose.
From Spokane said:
When pain and suffering can not be reversed and conditions are worsening it is WRONG to suffer. My mother went in a coma when she had breast cancer 18 years ago and our family was left with the choice to continue life support or not. The choice was to remove it and we have never regreted our tough decision. Fact is we will all die some day, The question is when and how. When the time comes to live or die the choice is not always up to the affected person. Yes on assisted.
Heidi said:
I truly believe that assisted suicide should be legal. Working in the medical field has shown me how many people acctually do suffer on a daily basis. It is up to the person whether they want to live or not. Who are we to tell them they have to live on in misery? It is cruel the way some of these dying people are just left to slowly die.
Heidi said:
I truly believe that assisted suicide should be legal. Working in the medical field has shown me how many people acctually do suffer on a daily basis. It is up to the person whether they want to live or not. Who are we to tell them they have to live on in misery? It is cruel the way some of these dying people are just left to slowly die.
I agree with Millie. WA absolutely needs an assisting living law. We are more humane to our loving pets than our loving parents or loved ones. If I am in such a state, I want to go and, like abortion, nobody should dictate what I do with my body or my life. The waste of money and time to keep me alive when I choose not to should be my choice, not the governments or people who don't even know me.
donna said:
people should be allowed to die with dignty...so the answer if yes....
Caroline Smetana BSN,BA, RN said:
Absolutely YES, people should be allowed to choose to die with dignity. I have seen far to many people during my nursing career who have begged to be let go. It's time to make this change.
The question about assisted suicide is really about who controls an adult's right of choice over their life. Who *should* control it? The politician whose power depends on the viability of every constituent who votes for him? The churchman who depends on every member of a congregation to form the group that gives him special status? Or the person who must live his/her life regardless of its degree of pain or adversity if others with agendas are in control? No-brainer.
Cynthia said:
YES - Assisted suicide should be legal! I am 56 years old and I would not want to put my family through anymore then necessary, let alone myself!
I want the option!
Ellen Klaastad said:
Yes. Not only should Washington and Idaho join Oregon in recognizing a PERSONAL RIGHT to the ultimate CHOICE over one's body, but I believe some day we will recognize such a basic human right nationally and internationally.
But along with a Death With Dignity Act, all states should, just like Oregon, enact Advance Directive legislation (ORS 127.531). Both should go hand in hand for individuals with serious, incurable conditions. Medical staff should never fear the law when discussing options. Option discussions conducted over a few medical appointments lead to a better psychological assessment and better education of patients and their loved ones. It better prepares them for what will come and what must be done prior to legal incapacity.
I agree with Millie. We provide a dignified end to animals we love. We save them the pain. It is illegal to do perform cruel and unusual punishment to prisoners. Those who oppose death with dignity don't know the safeguards of the Oregon Law. Those who oppose death with dignity haven't seen how cruel, painful and undignified the final days are. When a loved one knows of the course of his/her illness and prepares as much as they can, in a Death WithOUT Dignity state, they could be begging for pain relief. To their closest loved ones, IF they can, they ask for release. Not all state recognize Advanced Directives a.k.a. Living Wills. Some states prosecute medical staff for helping to enforce a living will. These documents are well thought out and usually signed and dated months, sometimes years in advance.
I agree with Paul. Hospice is not always available. The waiting list is long. And not all states have it.
I'm not a legal expert. What I've blogged comes from the unfortunate first hand knowledge of being there for my loved ones -- family and friends. Their struggles, final days, and death, make me proud to be in a truly pioneering, progressive state -- Oregon. Oregonian belief in allowing a person to define oneself, be oneself and decide for oneself so long as they don't cause harm to others is a laudable point of view.
The US Declaration of Independence says I have the right of pursuit of happiness and my liberty is protected. In the final days, when a cancer metastasizes, why shouldn't a person be allowed to choose happiness and thus death with dignity? Why shouldn't persons have the liberty to make the choice for themselves?
Angie Frisina said:
Only someone who has watched a loved one die in excruciating pain can be as certain as I am that assisted death is a viable option for each of us to preserve human dignity. I have discussed this with my own children and they have promised me they will never allow me to die in pain if my quality of life is gone. I trust them to make that choice for me, if I am unable. I do NOT trust the medical powers that be to have my best interests at heart or to be there to aleaviate my pain if needed. Thank God I live in a state where I have the liberty of assisted death.
Relevant said:
Yes, I agree that it should be legal in Washington.
For information only, not to start a fight like people are so proned to do on these blogs, but for the people who are against this, for whatever there reasons may be, have you ever watched or known someone who died in agonizing pain because the Doctors could do not more for them?
Not one of the posts, from those who are againsts legalizing this made any reference to having lost someone who had to die slowly and in great, drawn out pain. If you have and are still against this, please pass along any tips on making this easier on everyone.
Astra said:
YES!!!!! I injured my back 26 years ago. Every single day since then has been nothing but unending pain. Right now strong narcotics make the pain bearable. When the pain medications no longer work I will end my suffering. Why shouldn't I? Why should anyone be forced to suffer unending pain just because someone else doesn't like the idea of euthanasia? Assisted suicide is NOT murder! It is a concious choice, when all other options are exhausted to end unbearable suffering. If medical science no longer holds any hope for survival or relief from unbearable pain, why should suffering be prolonged? I've watched someone very close to me die of cancer. It is horrible, and if it should happen to me, I won't care about legality--I will end it to prevent not only my own suffering, but that of my family.
I have to wonder why some people belive in life at any cost. Maybe it is because they have never had to witness true suffering and unbearable pain. Perhaps they would be less selfish if they had.
Charles m Gibson said:
YES I believe that people should have the right to decide if they are in too much pain and life is to unbearable, they should have the right to assisted death
Marlene said:
Yes it is our life and we should have the control over assisted death. Let one die with compassion and dignity. Why should we cause more suffering and pain for someone we love and care about? Just for the sake of keeping them alive because we are not able to let go? Making it legal should be a choice when life is no longer a life that is bearable. Please you make your choice and let me make mine. Marlene
Sharon said:
I believe that we should have the same right as animals do when it comes to death with dignity - yes, I do want to enact the same law as Oregon has in this regard.
Karl Veek said:
YES! I have Multiple Sclerosis which is progressively getting worse. I can deal with the fading eyesight and lack of coordination but the extreme pain that I'm constantly in will get to be too much one day, hopefully in the far future. The Morphine/Opium based meds I take daily do make the pain tolerable but there will be a time years from now that nothing will work. I do not want to be bed ridden in pain, not able to walk or feed myself, and be a burden on my family and society. I will take the option of a dignified assited death. I will be better off in heaven. Pain free and with the Lord.
rob said:
Where else but in America can you Kill the unborn babies - and kill the elderly. get rid of them before they live and don't let them live any longer than they have to. Maybe we can also kill the people who are discomforted by middle life crisis.
And karl veek, I don't know which God you believe in but the Christian God will not let you into Heaven and pain free if you have your "dignified death" It will be pain-ful and hot where you will be going.
Alfred Elliott said:
It's curious how folks who decry the use of assisted suicide are so solid in their position. That it's a crime against nature (and presumably their god)so the rest of us must act according to their beliefs. Those of us who advocate the use of assisted suicide, on the other hand,don't ask them to use the service. If they want to die after weeks or months of agony, be our guest. We'll feel sorry for their suffering, but that would be their choice. For those of you who want to stick your noses into other peoples lives - don't.
Alfred Elliott said:
It's curious how folks who decry the use of assisted suicide are so solid in their position. That it's a crime against nature (and presumably their god)so the rest of us must act according to their beliefs. Those of us who advocate the use of assisted suicide, on the other hand,don't ask them to use the service. If they want to die after weeks or months of agony, be our guest. We'll feel sorry for their suffering, but that would be their choice. For those of you who want to stick your noses into other peoples lives - don't.
Alfred Elliott said:
It's curious how folks who decry the use of assisted suicide are so solid in their position. That it's a crime against nature (and presumably their god)so the rest of us must act according to their beliefs. Those of us who advocate the use of assisted suicide, on the other hand,don't ask them to use the service. If they want to die after weeks or months of agony, be our guest. We'll feel sorry for their suffering, but that would be their choice. For those of you who want to stick your noses into other peoples lives - don't.
barbara thompson said:
My mother have breast cancer and she survived
and she doesn't want a doctor to make the choice
if she will live or not. My mother has heart problem and she has to deals with a disabled adult and has money issue and still does not want
the doctors to make a choose if she she should live or not.
I have disability and I don't want the doctors to a choose if I should live or die. It make me angry to hear people writting in and saying that they support it. I feel that people are saying to the disabled that if you are
not making money or are not capable of working you should be killed. What people don't see is that first it will be the patients who are brain dead.Then it will be people who are depressed and don't want to live anymore.Then it will be the the disabled poeple who can't work and then the borderline disabled. Then it will be you who will be next. Then it too late to do anything and we will be a hilter country.
Liz said:
No person should live in pain. I think that assisted suicide should be allowed to anyone who wants to be remembered as a person of dignity not a person who spent the last days of their life in psychological and physical agony.
RFoster said:
My dad died an ugly painful death, HOWEVER, he was able to peacefully die in a northern Idaho hospice facility which provide him with just enough pain medicine to not be in pain anymore.
I cannot imagine the horror of watching a loved one die a long grueling unavoidable death without being given the option to end life humanely and quickly.
I hope to never be in that position.
Jason Whitaker said:
Doctor assisted suicide is wrong. For those that are not fimiliar with the 10 Commandments there is one of them "Thou shall not Kill". In regards to the pain and Suffering. That is a part of everyday life, we are mortal, we are meant to have pain and suffering, some worse than others. And one final comment, remember what Jesus Christ went through before he was nailed to the Cross. His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary also seeing her son nailed to the cross. If it's something you can't visualize, I suggest you watch Mel Gibson's "The Passion Of The Christ"
Tim Daily said:
Intelligent and rational people bear the responsibility and right to define what kind of life they wish to have. Once their life no longer meets that definition they should have the right to end it in a dignified manner. This will continue to be a hotly debated subject because there is a shortage of intelligent and rational people.
es said:
govonor perry (texas) is expected to sign a bill for sex predators who get caught twice will get the death penalty. im all for it, id be all for hanging them for the first offence.
so on one hand we have maybe honest tax paying citizens dying slow painful deaths and have no hope for recovery they have no choice yet we can take a life for rape? if someone has lived a long decient life i believe they should be allowed a choice and as far a the sex predators the laws are on the right track and hopefully after these kind of laws are put into place they will be modified to execute them after the first time.
Relevant said:
First, I can't find one post here that states that Doctors should be allowed to make the decision to end a life. All I see are people stating that they feel the PATIENT should be allowed to make that decision once it is determined that no other help is available. Remember, most hospitals will not continue to give out pain medication just to ease suffering, they will only continue to do so if the end result is recovery. Therefore, if Hospice care is not available in your areas, once the Doctors determine there is nothing they can do for you anymore, you are pretty much stuck sufferring until your body can't take it anymore.
Secondly, for Jason Whitaker, Yes, Jesus sufferred when he was nailed to the cross. yes, Jesus died for our sins. But Jesus also didn't get nailed to the cross and have to go through that pain everyday for the last few months of his life. Can't wait for you to be at the Pearly Gates and I can't wait to see your facial expressions when you are denied entry for passing judgement onto others. I do believe there is something in your little book that states you shouldn't do that either. Or is your stance the typical Christian Fundamentalist view that it is OK to judge others as long as you find a passage in the Bible that you interpret their actions as wrong?
If Doctors or the Government are making all of your choices for you, then your real problem is in the mirror. Make choices for yourself and quit relying on others to make them for you.
Lori said:
I too have watched several of my loved ones suffer at the end of their lives. I am completely in support of doctor assisted suicide when someone has a terminal illness and will not be able to recover. My sister begged me to help her die for months while she was dying of an excruciating brain tumor....she had the right to end her life in the way she saw fit! We are "humane" to our pets when they are old and cannot be helped, why can't we be "humane" to humans?
es said:
maybe the best way to resolve this is to leave the church out of it and only let the ones who are on thier death beds vote.
Astra said:
Mr. Veek, I looked back through the discussion, and I could not find any comment regarding 'killing the elderly'. I do believe we were discussing those who are either terminally ill or live with unbearable pain. I would NEVER advocate killing someone just because they are old or infirm. Maybe the fact that I do not follow Christianity makes it easier for me to believe that everyone has the right to decide for themselves when their life is no longer worth living. I believe that we should have doctor assisted suicide because that would allow for safeguards to prevent the 'inconvenient' from being pressured into suicide. I would only vote for doctor assisted suicide if there were adequate safeguards in place to prevent anyone from being pressured into suicide. However, I also would like the right to a calm, quiet, dignified death if/when I decide that my life is no longer worth living. I would also have a very hard time following a deity who would punish someone for choosing not to suffer incredible pain for a long period of time. Any deity that would require that of it's followers is surely NOT a just or merciful deity.
Kimberly said:
Absolutely should it be allowed. The Bible tells us that we will be forgiven all our sins if we but sincerely ask for it. Doctors would not be "killing" anyone. They would not be making the choices for us, nor would anyone be forced into it. Everyone has a breaking point. What kind of 'life' is it to be in unrelenting pain to the point of disability? I would consider this cruel and unusual punishment at best. For those of you who wish to stand by your religion as an excuse to torture those who have spent their life providing for themselves and their family, perhaps you should go back and reread the bible. I am certain you will find that God DOES infact forgive murder if you sincerly and honestly ask for it. I am sure that those who would consider assisted suicide have already made peace with their god and asked for forgiveness as well as his help to end their suffering. Perhaps leagalizing assisted suicide is God's way of answering all those prayers he continues to receive.
Jean said:
Assisted suicide is not the answer to a peaceful death. After sitting with numerous relatives, including a mother, father, and sister in their final stage of life, I believe we, as a society, must become comfortable with death. In becoming comfortable, we must embrace death, plan for death, which includes being an advocate for ourselves, and having a Medical Directive in place. As a medical professional, I ask one question; who will assist in the suicide?
Dianne said:
I believe that Washington should have legal physician assisted death. I have had to take care of and watch both my mother and my sister died in my home. There is nothing worse.I feel to this day that was alone when they past. I wanted to help them and couldn't, all I could do was my best to make them comfortable and watch and wait. If there was some thing that a doctor could have done to stop their suffering, maybe I would not feel so bad for them today.
Tina said:
Okay, lets remember, these doctors aren't "killing" people. They are giving the people the choice by giving them enough medication to take it themselves.
I am a Christian, and I do not believe in murder or suicide. But I also don't believe that someone who is suffering in uncontrollable pain should be made to live with it knowing the final outcome would be death anyways. It's a hard choice, it's right and wrong. If it was me, I'd want to end it, God would forgive me. This is not a sin that is unforgiveable, there is only one sin that is unforgiveable, which is lying about the Holy Spirit
Quinn said:
YES!
Anonymous said:
"I am a Christian, and I do not believe in murder or suicide"... CHRISTIANS HAVE KILLED MORE PEOPLE THAN ANYONE ELSE ON EARTH!
Anonymous said:
Yes and I think that we shouldn't just help the terminally ill. How about the guy who put his kid in the microwave? Or maybe rapists who get out and do it again? How about giving these people only 3 appeals? Talk about something that really matters in society not crap that shouldn't be anybodies decision but the person affected.
Georgia said:
People should have a choice in whatever the issue is. No state should be given the right to deny the choices given to us. Remember, God gave us free will? May as well legalize it and keep the innocent, innocent. The reprocussions are all just a legal garbage dump. I bet insurance agencies are the one's flipping effort to deny such rights.....if I'm in a state to where I serious consider someone helping me alleviate my misery, please don't let the beuracracy of passing on be in the way.
Bill Primrose SR said:
Physician assisted suicide is still a form of murder. self murder. Yes it is terrible to have to suffer such horrible pain. But it is still murder. What will come next?
es said:
a little life with dignity once in the while wouldnt be a bad idea either.
Anonymous said:
If people want the choice to kill them self. Fine, that you're choice but don't force doctors to help you do it. God made every person life special and it not up to the doctors to play god on someone elses life. It gets me mad when someone say "It your choice" when it comes to the issue about the right to die. terri is the women who die because the judge decided not give her any water or food. The husband who is responable for her health and her well being decide not to argue with the judge but force her not to see her parents. All I hear is "that is her choice" that want she wanted . Which make the husband get away with murder.
B. said:
Case by case people. If a terminally ill person wants peace, they have that right to request it. It is completely different from a judge granting the husband's request to starve his wife, that is murder. Each case is different and therefore should be given separate and equal consideration. If a person is already dieing, in pain, miserable, it is not playing God to grant their request for a peaceful death. What are we supposed to tell them "God wants you to tough it out, buck up, get over it. It will be over with soon enough..."? Come on people! I am a Christian person and I truely believe that "our" God would never want any of his "children" to suffer such pain. Some people are unbelievably strong and resilient, they are the ones who have the ability to endure outstanding pain. But not everyone is the same.
My younger brother is in constant pain. He is a very ill young man and has been ill from infancy. Some days he feels like he wants to die, but he pulls through. But if one day, his pain becomes unbearable and he has no hope of recovery, who am I, or our Mother, or the freakin' government to deny him peace?
On the other hand, I had a friend in high school who was very depressed and wanted to commit suicide and many of her friends and I asked her to really think it through. She did and she is still alive. Depression is not an excuse to commit suicide. Each case is different.
Each person's case needs to be considered equally, with thought and compassion. We are supposed to be a humane society, are we not? And who is to say, honestly, what God really wants? Isn't saying "God doesnt approve of that!!!" or "Thats playing God!" in and of itself playing God?
B. said:
One more thing, I applaud you Mr./Mrs Relevant. I suppose that is exactly what I was trying to get at in my round-a-bout way.
For those of you typical Christian Fundamentalists out there, you make me ashamed to put myself in a similar, if not the same, category as you. A true christian person does not pass such harsh judgement on their fellow human beings; we have compassion. Who are you to tell someone they have to endure seemingly unending pain? A hypocritical, cruel, inconsiderate, uncompassionate person. Doesn't sound very Christian to me.
es said:
if there is something on this planet i hate it is religion, they justify everything from murder and raping of childeren for thier cause. if all you so called religious people like god so much why dont you go jump off a bridge and meet him personally! in other words you people suck!
Dennis said:
I live in Oregon. I have a terminal illness. It is assuring to me that once I have discussed my options with two physicians I can receive a prescription that will end my painful suffering and I can die with dignity.
The people of Oregon have spoken twice. It is time those people who don't agree with the law to mind their own business.
johanna huft said:
I love the headline on the main news page...........PEOPLE DIVIDED OVER RIGHT TO DIE,"OREGON THE ONLY one" as if we should be ashamed...When the heads of the medical schools are pushing bioethics in there teaching........for those of you who are unaware of what bioethics are let me give you my understanding: BIOETHICS the determining a persons life value before administering life saving treatment....if they decide that you are a bum or older than the cut off age (which the exact age escapes me) or that someone who makes more money than you needs the treatment first you are SOL.....each person who enters a hospital and admitted, are put through a type of profiling process. if they do not meet what ever expectations this profile looks for you will find that people will be told there is nothing more we can do........ or we will just have to wait and see......oh my favorite...... it is in gods hands now.....so for people who are terminal to choose, to CHOOSE when it is time. well that just gives them back control of there lives...and takes the control away from people who don't really give a shit anyways....and I for one am not ASHAMED to live in the ONLY state in the union who not only talks about dignity and compassion.....but puts it into PRACTICE.....
The Man said:
THis is AMERICA, land of freedom of choice. We Oregonians voted for this and it is the Law! Deal with it you conmanservatives. You have no problem with the death penalty when they kill your loved ones. Keep your religion out of politics, like our founding fathers created. This is exactly why we have separation of church and state, the church folks are crazy!
Astra said:
Someone brought up the Terri Schavio case. This has NOTHING to do with Terri's case. Terri had no choice, this law would give others choice. This law would not allow someone to 'pull the plug' on anyone who was incapapble of making a choice. That type of case would still have to go through the courts. I realize that there is no way I will convince the fundamentalists and the ones who believe that their way is the only way and wish to force their beliefs on others. I merely wish to say that when the time comes, I won't need a doctor to commit suicide. I know how to do it, and I have what I need to get the job done. I would just rather be able to do this openly and legally, and most of all peacefully with my family around me.
For those who feel that suicide is wrong, I sincerely hope that you are never, ever in the position I am in right now. I hope you never experience unending pain for decades and know that it will never get better--only worse. At least I know that I can end the pain permanently. I can't imagine having the belief that I would just be trading one torment for another. How sad it must be to have to live in that kind of fear. However, that is their choice, and I am fine with that. I just don't want their fear to take away MY choice when the time comes.
pw said:
I find it very wrong that everyone who posts a comment against the right to die directly relates thier argument against with god and religion. You make my point for me remember we in this country have the right to not believe in god or religion just as much as you all have the right to believe in it. So no law should exist that is based upon someones religious belief. Don't you get it if your precious bible tells you it is killing and its wrong then you can suffer to the end and not make the choice to die with dignity. But you certainly do not have the right to pass laws that effect the rest of us because of your bible beliefs. We should have the right to make our own choice based on our own belief.
pw said:
This is for Barbara Thompson, Barb honey not to insult your intelligence but the issue is not about doctors deciding whether you live or die. The issue is protecting doctors from prosecution for helping a person to die with dignity. if that person or family of that person acting in power of attorney for that person makes that decision for themself. Your comments are ignorant and not on point. I don't think any doctor wants the power to decide life or death for anyone they only want to do whats best for thier patient who suffers and most of all do what the patient chooses for themself.
pw said:
Jean i will tell you that there are plenty more medical proffessionals out there who think just the opposite of you and i am sure they will be glad to assist thats the beauty of it you are a medical proffessional and you choose not to help thats your right. For every one of you who won't help there is another one who will that should be their right!
Amy said:
Applause, applause, applause to "Es" for this post:
---------------------------------------------------
Posted by: es at May 19, 2007 04:56 PM
First, I can't find one post here that states that Doctors should be allowed to make the decision to end a life. All I see are people stating that they feel the PATIENT should be allowed to make that decision once it is determined that no other help is available. Remember, most hospitals will not continue to give out pain medication just to ease suffering, they will only continue to do so if the end result is recovery. Therefore, if Hospice care is not available in your areas, once the Doctors determine there is nothing they can do for you anymore, you are pretty much stuck sufferring until your body can't take it anymore.
Secondly, for Jason Whitaker, Yes, Jesus sufferred when he was nailed to the cross. yes, Jesus died for our sins. But Jesus also didn't get nailed to the cross and have to go through that pain everyday for the last few months of his life. Can't wait for you to be at the Pearly Gates and I can't wait to see your facial expressions when you are denied entry for passing judgement onto others. I do believe there is something in your little book that states you shouldn't do that either. Or is your stance the typical Christian Fundamentalist view that it is OK to judge others as long as you find a passage in the Bible that you interpret their actions as wrong?
If Doctors or the Government are making all of your choices for you, then your real problem is in the mirror. Make choices for yourself and quit relying on others to make them for you.
--------------------------------------------------
I reside in CA and hope that one day CA adopts the Die with Dignity Act. I whole-heartedly agree and my answer is YES. No one should have to suffer in pain for months or even years. YES to doctor assisted self-deliverance.
No person should be helped to commit suicide. It is a dignified way to murder.
Paul Greisen
Absolutely, WA should have an assisted death with dignity law. Thank God we do now have Hospice. My Mother died an awful death because at that time the doctors could not even give them medication to help them die. She lingered in great pain asking for help for several days. Hospice is not always available. Very easy to say no when you don't need it. My husband and I are elderly. If and when I need help we will request our children to help us get to Oregon. Thank God some people somewhere understand when pain makes life no longer doable. I do believe EVERYTHING else should be tried first.
When a pet is mortally injured or terminally sick, we put it to sleep so that it doesn't suffer any more. Why don't we keep it alive? Well, we know that this would be selfish, cruel and pointless. The same could be said for people. When I am very old, sick or injured, suffering and unable to function as a human beings, forcing me lay in a bed in utter misery would be selfish cruel and pointless.
Yes this state should offer it. I am 41 and have been in cronic back pain for 5 + years. After 20 + years of working I have been turned down for SSI Disability 3 times now. I can do things but can not WORK a JOB for 8 hours or more a day 5, 6 or 7 days a week like I used to. My pain is controlled by medication and that is all I can do to help myself, Pre - existing conditions are not covered by insurance and if I could get it, I could not afford to pay $600.00 + a month. What my point here is that someday the pain could or will be more than I can handle or control and to end the pain by ending your life should be an option to a clear thinking person.
ABSOLUTELY NOT. There is no way that it should be legalized. This is legalized murder. Murder is wrong. People are put in prison everyday for killing someone. What makes it right for doctors to kill people? Doctors are playing the role of God. This isn't right.
Fmr. Surgeon General and Pediatrician C. Everett Koop, MD, Francis Schafer co-wrote, "Whatever Happened to the Human Race"--a landmark book that showed euthenasia and induced abortion have the same ethical arguments. The only reason we have one and not the other is that abortionists have successfully dehumanized the baby in a womb by calling it by the latin name fetus. Now, having been unsuccessful in convincing the US Congress to rewrite EVERY citizen's rights in the constitution; they settled for legislating from the judicial bench by placing judges on imperial liberal courts that take contrived cases (Jane Roe was approached/supported by abortionists and used until she became a pro-life advocate a few years after they got their way). This judicial legislation is then appealed to the highest court resulting in a single branch of government practically "signing" new legislation into law. This has left the baby with no choice and placed a mother's 9 months of inconveinence and adopting out (former solution to a "crisis" pregnancy) above the protection of life that can't speak for itself.
Mother Teresa once told President Clinton, "Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion." In another place she said; "And if we accept that a mother can kill her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another?" There it is: euthenasia is abortion for seniors--no less than sanctioned killing instead of providing appropriate pain relief and a peaceful hospice transition from our life on earth. Concerning abortion, why would we kill our next generation when so many are adopting and spending thousands on infertility workups?
The creation and signing of end of life Medical Directives will make your wishes clear and give your MD a license to provide full comfort. This is the civil and ethical way to resolve these issues while respecting and protecting life.
I guess we shoot horses and euthenize dogs in pain out of our desperation; but humans deserve better treatment.
Assisted suicide should be legal. I have watched several loved ones suffer for years in excruciating pain before passing. I have also watched many of our animals pass quietly without pain - at the Vet office. We need to show compassion for all living and dying beings. When relief of pain is no longer possible, people should have the option to request a final dose.
When pain and suffering can not be reversed and conditions are worsening it is WRONG to suffer. My mother went in a coma when she had breast cancer 18 years ago and our family was left with the choice to continue life support or not. The choice was to remove it and we have never regreted our tough decision. Fact is we will all die some day, The question is when and how. When the time comes to live or die the choice is not always up to the affected person. Yes on assisted.
I truly believe that assisted suicide should be legal. Working in the medical field has shown me how many people acctually do suffer on a daily basis. It is up to the person whether they want to live or not. Who are we to tell them they have to live on in misery? It is cruel the way some of these dying people are just left to slowly die.
I truly believe that assisted suicide should be legal. Working in the medical field has shown me how many people acctually do suffer on a daily basis. It is up to the person whether they want to live or not. Who are we to tell them they have to live on in misery? It is cruel the way some of these dying people are just left to slowly die.
I agree with Millie. WA absolutely needs an assisting living law. We are more humane to our loving pets than our loving parents or loved ones. If I am in such a state, I want to go and, like abortion, nobody should dictate what I do with my body or my life. The waste of money and time to keep me alive when I choose not to should be my choice, not the governments or people who don't even know me.
people should be allowed to die with dignty...so the answer if yes....
Absolutely YES, people should be allowed to choose to die with dignity. I have seen far to many people during my nursing career who have begged to be let go. It's time to make this change.
YES --- no other words needed!!!!
The question about assisted suicide is really about who controls an adult's right of choice over their life. Who *should* control it? The politician whose power depends on the viability of every constituent who votes for him? The churchman who depends on every member of a congregation to form the group that gives him special status? Or the person who must live his/her life regardless of its degree of pain or adversity if others with agendas are in control? No-brainer.
YES - Assisted suicide should be legal! I am 56 years old and I would not want to put my family through anymore then necessary, let alone myself!
I want the option!
Yes. Not only should Washington and Idaho join Oregon in recognizing a PERSONAL RIGHT to the ultimate CHOICE over one's body, but I believe some day we will recognize such a basic human right nationally and internationally.
But along with a Death With Dignity Act, all states should, just like Oregon, enact Advance Directive legislation (ORS 127.531). Both should go hand in hand for individuals with serious, incurable conditions. Medical staff should never fear the law when discussing options. Option discussions conducted over a few medical appointments lead to a better psychological assessment and better education of patients and their loved ones. It better prepares them for what will come and what must be done prior to legal incapacity.
I agree with Millie. We provide a dignified end to animals we love. We save them the pain. It is illegal to do perform cruel and unusual punishment to prisoners. Those who oppose death with dignity don't know the safeguards of the Oregon Law. Those who oppose death with dignity haven't seen how cruel, painful and undignified the final days are. When a loved one knows of the course of his/her illness and prepares as much as they can, in a Death WithOUT Dignity state, they could be begging for pain relief. To their closest loved ones, IF they can, they ask for release. Not all state recognize Advanced Directives a.k.a. Living Wills. Some states prosecute medical staff for helping to enforce a living will. These documents are well thought out and usually signed and dated months, sometimes years in advance.
I agree with Paul. Hospice is not always available. The waiting list is long. And not all states have it.
I'm not a legal expert. What I've blogged comes from the unfortunate first hand knowledge of being there for my loved ones -- family and friends. Their struggles, final days, and death, make me proud to be in a truly pioneering, progressive state -- Oregon. Oregonian belief in allowing a person to define oneself, be oneself and decide for oneself so long as they don't cause harm to others is a laudable point of view.
The US Declaration of Independence says I have the right of pursuit of happiness and my liberty is protected. In the final days, when a cancer metastasizes, why shouldn't a person be allowed to choose happiness and thus death with dignity? Why shouldn't persons have the liberty to make the choice for themselves?
Only someone who has watched a loved one die in excruciating pain can be as certain as I am that assisted death is a viable option for each of us to preserve human dignity. I have discussed this with my own children and they have promised me they will never allow me to die in pain if my quality of life is gone. I trust them to make that choice for me, if I am unable. I do NOT trust the medical powers that be to have my best interests at heart or to be there to aleaviate my pain if needed. Thank God I live in a state where I have the liberty of assisted death.
Yes, I agree that it should be legal in Washington.
For information only, not to start a fight like people are so proned to do on these blogs, but for the people who are against this, for whatever there reasons may be, have you ever watched or known someone who died in agonizing pain because the Doctors could do not more for them?
Not one of the posts, from those who are againsts legalizing this made any reference to having lost someone who had to die slowly and in great, drawn out pain. If you have and are still against this, please pass along any tips on making this easier on everyone.
YES!!!!! I injured my back 26 years ago. Every single day since then has been nothing but unending pain. Right now strong narcotics make the pain bearable. When the pain medications no longer work I will end my suffering. Why shouldn't I? Why should anyone be forced to suffer unending pain just because someone else doesn't like the idea of euthanasia? Assisted suicide is NOT murder! It is a concious choice, when all other options are exhausted to end unbearable suffering. If medical science no longer holds any hope for survival or relief from unbearable pain, why should suffering be prolonged? I've watched someone very close to me die of cancer. It is horrible, and if it should happen to me, I won't care about legality--I will end it to prevent not only my own suffering, but that of my family.
I have to wonder why some people belive in life at any cost. Maybe it is because they have never had to witness true suffering and unbearable pain. Perhaps they would be less selfish if they had.
YES I believe that people should have the right to decide if they are in too much pain and life is to unbearable, they should have the right to assisted death
Yes it is our life and we should have the control over assisted death. Let one die with compassion and dignity. Why should we cause more suffering and pain for someone we love and care about? Just for the sake of keeping them alive because we are not able to let go? Making it legal should be a choice when life is no longer a life that is bearable. Please you make your choice and let me make mine. Marlene
I believe that we should have the same right as animals do when it comes to death with dignity - yes, I do want to enact the same law as Oregon has in this regard.
YES! I have Multiple Sclerosis which is progressively getting worse. I can deal with the fading eyesight and lack of coordination but the extreme pain that I'm constantly in will get to be too much one day, hopefully in the far future. The Morphine/Opium based meds I take daily do make the pain tolerable but there will be a time years from now that nothing will work. I do not want to be bed ridden in pain, not able to walk or feed myself, and be a burden on my family and society. I will take the option of a dignified assited death. I will be better off in heaven. Pain free and with the Lord.
Where else but in America can you Kill the unborn babies - and kill the elderly. get rid of them before they live and don't let them live any longer than they have to. Maybe we can also kill the people who are discomforted by middle life crisis.
And karl veek, I don't know which God you believe in but the Christian God will not let you into Heaven and pain free if you have your "dignified death" It will be pain-ful and hot where you will be going.
It's curious how folks who decry the use of assisted suicide are so solid in their position. That it's a crime against nature (and presumably their god)so the rest of us must act according to their beliefs. Those of us who advocate the use of assisted suicide, on the other hand,don't ask them to use the service. If they want to die after weeks or months of agony, be our guest. We'll feel sorry for their suffering, but that would be their choice. For those of you who want to stick your noses into other peoples lives - don't.
It's curious how folks who decry the use of assisted suicide are so solid in their position. That it's a crime against nature (and presumably their god)so the rest of us must act according to their beliefs. Those of us who advocate the use of assisted suicide, on the other hand,don't ask them to use the service. If they want to die after weeks or months of agony, be our guest. We'll feel sorry for their suffering, but that would be their choice. For those of you who want to stick your noses into other peoples lives - don't.
It's curious how folks who decry the use of assisted suicide are so solid in their position. That it's a crime against nature (and presumably their god)so the rest of us must act according to their beliefs. Those of us who advocate the use of assisted suicide, on the other hand,don't ask them to use the service. If they want to die after weeks or months of agony, be our guest. We'll feel sorry for their suffering, but that would be their choice. For those of you who want to stick your noses into other peoples lives - don't.
My mother have breast cancer and she survived
and she doesn't want a doctor to make the choice
if she will live or not. My mother has heart problem and she has to deals with a disabled adult and has money issue and still does not want
the doctors to make a choose if she she should live or not.
I have disability and I don't want the doctors to a choose if I should live or die. It make me angry to hear people writting in and saying that they support it. I feel that people are saying to the disabled that if you are
not making money or are not capable of working you should be killed. What people don't see is that first it will be the patients who are brain dead.Then it will be people who are depressed and don't want to live anymore.Then it will be the the disabled poeple who can't work and then the borderline disabled. Then it will be you who will be next. Then it too late to do anything and we will be a hilter country.
No person should live in pain. I think that assisted suicide should be allowed to anyone who wants to be remembered as a person of dignity not a person who spent the last days of their life in psychological and physical agony.
My dad died an ugly painful death, HOWEVER, he was able to peacefully die in a northern Idaho hospice facility which provide him with just enough pain medicine to not be in pain anymore.
I cannot imagine the horror of watching a loved one die a long grueling unavoidable death without being given the option to end life humanely and quickly.
I hope to never be in that position.
Doctor assisted suicide is wrong. For those that are not fimiliar with the 10 Commandments there is one of them "Thou shall not Kill". In regards to the pain and Suffering. That is a part of everyday life, we are mortal, we are meant to have pain and suffering, some worse than others. And one final comment, remember what Jesus Christ went through before he was nailed to the Cross. His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary also seeing her son nailed to the cross. If it's something you can't visualize, I suggest you watch Mel Gibson's "The Passion Of The Christ"
Intelligent and rational people bear the responsibility and right to define what kind of life they wish to have. Once their life no longer meets that definition they should have the right to end it in a dignified manner. This will continue to be a hotly debated subject because there is a shortage of intelligent and rational people.
govonor perry (texas) is expected to sign a bill for sex predators who get caught twice will get the death penalty. im all for it, id be all for hanging them for the first offence.
so on one hand we have maybe honest tax paying citizens dying slow painful deaths and have no hope for recovery they have no choice yet we can take a life for rape? if someone has lived a long decient life i believe they should be allowed a choice and as far a the sex predators the laws are on the right track and hopefully after these kind of laws are put into place they will be modified to execute them after the first time.
First, I can't find one post here that states that Doctors should be allowed to make the decision to end a life. All I see are people stating that they feel the PATIENT should be allowed to make that decision once it is determined that no other help is available. Remember, most hospitals will not continue to give out pain medication just to ease suffering, they will only continue to do so if the end result is recovery. Therefore, if Hospice care is not available in your areas, once the Doctors determine there is nothing they can do for you anymore, you are pretty much stuck sufferring until your body can't take it anymore.
Secondly, for Jason Whitaker, Yes, Jesus sufferred when he was nailed to the cross. yes, Jesus died for our sins. But Jesus also didn't get nailed to the cross and have to go through that pain everyday for the last few months of his life. Can't wait for you to be at the Pearly Gates and I can't wait to see your facial expressions when you are denied entry for passing judgement onto others. I do believe there is something in your little book that states you shouldn't do that either. Or is your stance the typical Christian Fundamentalist view that it is OK to judge others as long as you find a passage in the Bible that you interpret their actions as wrong?
If Doctors or the Government are making all of your choices for you, then your real problem is in the mirror. Make choices for yourself and quit relying on others to make them for you.
I too have watched several of my loved ones suffer at the end of their lives. I am completely in support of doctor assisted suicide when someone has a terminal illness and will not be able to recover. My sister begged me to help her die for months while she was dying of an excruciating brain tumor....she had the right to end her life in the way she saw fit! We are "humane" to our pets when they are old and cannot be helped, why can't we be "humane" to humans?
maybe the best way to resolve this is to leave the church out of it and only let the ones who are on thier death beds vote.
Mr. Veek, I looked back through the discussion, and I could not find any comment regarding 'killing the elderly'. I do believe we were discussing those who are either terminally ill or live with unbearable pain. I would NEVER advocate killing someone just because they are old or infirm. Maybe the fact that I do not follow Christianity makes it easier for me to believe that everyone has the right to decide for themselves when their life is no longer worth living. I believe that we should have doctor assisted suicide because that would allow for safeguards to prevent the 'inconvenient' from being pressured into suicide. I would only vote for doctor assisted suicide if there were adequate safeguards in place to prevent anyone from being pressured into suicide. However, I also would like the right to a calm, quiet, dignified death if/when I decide that my life is no longer worth living. I would also have a very hard time following a deity who would punish someone for choosing not to suffer incredible pain for a long period of time. Any deity that would require that of it's followers is surely NOT a just or merciful deity.
Absolutely should it be allowed. The Bible tells us that we will be forgiven all our sins if we but sincerely ask for it. Doctors would not be "killing" anyone. They would not be making the choices for us, nor would anyone be forced into it. Everyone has a breaking point. What kind of 'life' is it to be in unrelenting pain to the point of disability? I would consider this cruel and unusual punishment at best. For those of you who wish to stand by your religion as an excuse to torture those who have spent their life providing for themselves and their family, perhaps you should go back and reread the bible. I am certain you will find that God DOES infact forgive murder if you sincerly and honestly ask for it. I am sure that those who would consider assisted suicide have already made peace with their god and asked for forgiveness as well as his help to end their suffering. Perhaps leagalizing assisted suicide is God's way of answering all those prayers he continues to receive.
Assisted suicide is not the answer to a peaceful death. After sitting with numerous relatives, including a mother, father, and sister in their final stage of life, I believe we, as a society, must become comfortable with death. In becoming comfortable, we must embrace death, plan for death, which includes being an advocate for ourselves, and having a Medical Directive in place. As a medical professional, I ask one question; who will assist in the suicide?
I believe that Washington should have legal physician assisted death. I have had to take care of and watch both my mother and my sister died in my home. There is nothing worse.I feel to this day that was alone when they past. I wanted to help them and couldn't, all I could do was my best to make them comfortable and watch and wait. If there was some thing that a doctor could have done to stop their suffering, maybe I would not feel so bad for them today.
Okay, lets remember, these doctors aren't "killing" people. They are giving the people the choice by giving them enough medication to take it themselves.
I am a Christian, and I do not believe in murder or suicide. But I also don't believe that someone who is suffering in uncontrollable pain should be made to live with it knowing the final outcome would be death anyways. It's a hard choice, it's right and wrong. If it was me, I'd want to end it, God would forgive me. This is not a sin that is unforgiveable, there is only one sin that is unforgiveable, which is lying about the Holy Spirit
YES!
"I am a Christian, and I do not believe in murder or suicide"... CHRISTIANS HAVE KILLED MORE PEOPLE THAN ANYONE ELSE ON EARTH!
Yes and I think that we shouldn't just help the terminally ill. How about the guy who put his kid in the microwave? Or maybe rapists who get out and do it again? How about giving these people only 3 appeals? Talk about something that really matters in society not crap that shouldn't be anybodies decision but the person affected.
People should have a choice in whatever the issue is. No state should be given the right to deny the choices given to us. Remember, God gave us free will? May as well legalize it and keep the innocent, innocent. The reprocussions are all just a legal garbage dump. I bet insurance agencies are the one's flipping effort to deny such rights.....if I'm in a state to where I serious consider someone helping me alleviate my misery, please don't let the beuracracy of passing on be in the way.
Physician assisted suicide is still a form of murder. self murder. Yes it is terrible to have to suffer such horrible pain. But it is still murder. What will come next?
a little life with dignity once in the while wouldnt be a bad idea either.
If people want the choice to kill them self. Fine, that you're choice but don't force doctors to help you do it. God made every person life special and it not up to the doctors to play god on someone elses life. It gets me mad when someone say "It your choice" when it comes to the issue about the right to die. terri is the women who die because the judge decided not give her any water or food. The husband who is responable for her health and her well being decide not to argue with the judge but force her not to see her parents. All I hear is "that is her choice" that want she wanted . Which make the husband get away with murder.
Case by case people. If a terminally ill person wants peace, they have that right to request it. It is completely different from a judge granting the husband's request to starve his wife, that is murder. Each case is different and therefore should be given separate and equal consideration. If a person is already dieing, in pain, miserable, it is not playing God to grant their request for a peaceful death. What are we supposed to tell them "God wants you to tough it out, buck up, get over it. It will be over with soon enough..."? Come on people! I am a Christian person and I truely believe that "our" God would never want any of his "children" to suffer such pain. Some people are unbelievably strong and resilient, they are the ones who have the ability to endure outstanding pain. But not everyone is the same.
My younger brother is in constant pain. He is a very ill young man and has been ill from infancy. Some days he feels like he wants to die, but he pulls through. But if one day, his pain becomes unbearable and he has no hope of recovery, who am I, or our Mother, or the freakin' government to deny him peace?
On the other hand, I had a friend in high school who was very depressed and wanted to commit suicide and many of her friends and I asked her to really think it through. She did and she is still alive. Depression is not an excuse to commit suicide. Each case is different.
Each person's case needs to be considered equally, with thought and compassion. We are supposed to be a humane society, are we not? And who is to say, honestly, what God really wants? Isn't saying "God doesnt approve of that!!!" or "Thats playing God!" in and of itself playing God?
One more thing, I applaud you Mr./Mrs Relevant. I suppose that is exactly what I was trying to get at in my round-a-bout way.
For those of you typical Christian Fundamentalists out there, you make me ashamed to put myself in a similar, if not the same, category as you. A true christian person does not pass such harsh judgement on their fellow human beings; we have compassion. Who are you to tell someone they have to endure seemingly unending pain? A hypocritical, cruel, inconsiderate, uncompassionate person. Doesn't sound very Christian to me.
if there is something on this planet i hate it is religion, they justify everything from murder and raping of childeren for thier cause. if all you so called religious people like god so much why dont you go jump off a bridge and meet him personally! in other words you people suck!
I live in Oregon. I have a terminal illness. It is assuring to me that once I have discussed my options with two physicians I can receive a prescription that will end my painful suffering and I can die with dignity.
The people of Oregon have spoken twice. It is time those people who don't agree with the law to mind their own business.
I love the headline on the main news page...........PEOPLE DIVIDED OVER RIGHT TO DIE,"OREGON THE ONLY one" as if we should be ashamed...When the heads of the medical schools are pushing bioethics in there teaching........for those of you who are unaware of what bioethics are let me give you my understanding: BIOETHICS the determining a persons life value before administering life saving treatment....if they decide that you are a bum or older than the cut off age (which the exact age escapes me) or that someone who makes more money than you needs the treatment first you are SOL.....each person who enters a hospital and admitted, are put through a type of profiling process. if they do not meet what ever expectations this profile looks for you will find that people will be told there is nothing more we can do........ or we will just have to wait and see......oh my favorite...... it is in gods hands now.....so for people who are terminal to choose, to CHOOSE when it is time. well that just gives them back control of there lives...and takes the control away from people who don't really give a shit anyways....and I for one am not ASHAMED to live in the ONLY state in the union who not only talks about dignity and compassion.....but puts it into PRACTICE.....
THis is AMERICA, land of freedom of choice. We Oregonians voted for this and it is the Law! Deal with it you conmanservatives. You have no problem with the death penalty when they kill your loved ones. Keep your religion out of politics, like our founding fathers created. This is exactly why we have separation of church and state, the church folks are crazy!
Someone brought up the Terri Schavio case. This has NOTHING to do with Terri's case. Terri had no choice, this law would give others choice. This law would not allow someone to 'pull the plug' on anyone who was incapapble of making a choice. That type of case would still have to go through the courts. I realize that there is no way I will convince the fundamentalists and the ones who believe that their way is the only way and wish to force their beliefs on others. I merely wish to say that when the time comes, I won't need a doctor to commit suicide. I know how to do it, and I have what I need to get the job done. I would just rather be able to do this openly and legally, and most of all peacefully with my family around me.
For those who feel that suicide is wrong, I sincerely hope that you are never, ever in the position I am in right now. I hope you never experience unending pain for decades and know that it will never get better--only worse. At least I know that I can end the pain permanently. I can't imagine having the belief that I would just be trading one torment for another. How sad it must be to have to live in that kind of fear. However, that is their choice, and I am fine with that. I just don't want their fear to take away MY choice when the time comes.
I find it very wrong that everyone who posts a comment against the right to die directly relates thier argument against with god and religion. You make my point for me remember we in this country have the right to not believe in god or religion just as much as you all have the right to believe in it. So no law should exist that is based upon someones religious belief. Don't you get it if your precious bible tells you it is killing and its wrong then you can suffer to the end and not make the choice to die with dignity. But you certainly do not have the right to pass laws that effect the rest of us because of your bible beliefs. We should have the right to make our own choice based on our own belief.
This is for Barbara Thompson, Barb honey not to insult your intelligence but the issue is not about doctors deciding whether you live or die. The issue is protecting doctors from prosecution for helping a person to die with dignity. if that person or family of that person acting in power of attorney for that person makes that decision for themself. Your comments are ignorant and not on point. I don't think any doctor wants the power to decide life or death for anyone they only want to do whats best for thier patient who suffers and most of all do what the patient chooses for themself.
Jean i will tell you that there are plenty more medical proffessionals out there who think just the opposite of you and i am sure they will be glad to assist thats the beauty of it you are a medical proffessional and you choose not to help thats your right. For every one of you who won't help there is another one who will that should be their right!
Applause, applause, applause to "Es" for this post:
---------------------------------------------------
Posted by: es at May 19, 2007 04:56 PM
First, I can't find one post here that states that Doctors should be allowed to make the decision to end a life. All I see are people stating that they feel the PATIENT should be allowed to make that decision once it is determined that no other help is available. Remember, most hospitals will not continue to give out pain medication just to ease suffering, they will only continue to do so if the end result is recovery. Therefore, if Hospice care is not available in your areas, once the Doctors determine there is nothing they can do for you anymore, you are pretty much stuck sufferring until your body can't take it anymore.
Secondly, for Jason Whitaker, Yes, Jesus sufferred when he was nailed to the cross. yes, Jesus died for our sins. But Jesus also didn't get nailed to the cross and have to go through that pain everyday for the last few months of his life. Can't wait for you to be at the Pearly Gates and I can't wait to see your facial expressions when you are denied entry for passing judgement onto others. I do believe there is something in your little book that states you shouldn't do that either. Or is your stance the typical Christian Fundamentalist view that it is OK to judge others as long as you find a passage in the Bible that you interpret their actions as wrong?
If Doctors or the Government are making all of your choices for you, then your real problem is in the mirror. Make choices for yourself and quit relying on others to make them for you.
--------------------------------------------------
I reside in CA and hope that one day CA adopts the Die with Dignity Act. I whole-heartedly agree and my answer is YES. No one should have to suffer in pain for months or even years. YES to doctor assisted self-deliverance.