Assisted suicide

[Whatsthepoint]

KAding, is it true that in Your country parents can tell the doctors to murder a very ill born child? Im not sure about it, I just heard about it.

Me too, I think it's called the Grooningen protocol.

 

[aamirsaab]

That depends on the disease. Those last moments can be extremely distressful.

Indeed they can be, which is why I can understand why people are for euthanasia. In any case I was merely pointing out one of the reasons why Islam is against it as it provides you with some last moments, which I personally feel is very respectful.

I guess it is different for every person though.

 

[KAding]

KAding, is it true that in Your country parents can tell the doctors to murder a very ill born child? Im not sure about it, I just heard about it.

Officially this isn't allowed, as euthanasia for anyone below 12 is illegal whatever the circumstances. I think, however, that there are unwritten agreements that in these circumstances criminal charges will not be bought.

This is definitely a complex issue though. Is it really the moral thing to do to let a baby, which has just a short time to live in agony, to let it suffer? With animals we have the decency to put it out of its misery, but apparently we don't extend that courtesy to human beings. Note, however, that I am not perse supporting this practice. I'm torn on this issue.

The issue at hand in this thread, however, is euthanasia for adults who are fully capable to make this decision about their own life.

 

[KAding]

It's not always as easy and as simple as that. To assist in a loved one's suicide is not something that can be done on a whim - it affects everyone. Think about it, not everyone wants to or can hold that much responsibility for someone's death - a loved one no less.

And I've said in previous posts, the situation is this:

A) Letting them live in pain for a little while longer and then die naturally
B) Pulling the plug (so to speak), so they die now.

So, the decision for taking away life is in that situation not easy. You aren't holding a gun to the person who has raped your wife and slaughtered your children. You are ''pulling the plug'' on your wife or children.
The decision either way is not always simple.

There is nothing here I disagree with. If palliative care is a viable option then surely it must be pursued. But when it isn't, the option should be there for any clear-minded, sane and terminally ill adult to make the choice to end their life the way he or she prefers it.

 

[glo]

Essentially this debate isn't about whether suicide is good or bad.
How we feel about that may depend on our faith, our life experiences and other influences.

Fact is, we all have a choice whether we want to continue living or take our lives.
Many people have suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives, most do not act upon them.

The point of this debate is that those with debilitating, wasting and terminal diseases (those who arguably may have most reason to wish to end their lives) are physically unable to take their lives. They are denied that choice.
The only way they can end their lives is with at least a certain amount of help from others.

With 'assisted suicide' the person in question still has to be able to carry out the act themselves (i.e. drink the poison, switch off the machine)
Actively killing another person, even at their request (i.e. injecting poison, smothering etc) is considered 'euthanasia'.
Legally there is a difference.

 

[KAding]

With 'assisted suicide' the person in question still has to be able to carry out the act themselves (i.e. drink the poison, switch off the machine)
Actively killing another person, even at their request (i.e. injecting poison, smothering etc) is considered 'euthanasia'.
Legally there is a difference.

Interesting, I did not know that. I always assumed that in English they were just synonyms.

Of course the whole point of euthanasia legislation is to allow a doctor to perform the act, so that it happens smoothly and without a glitch. While the doctor gives the lethal injection, it is with the consent of the patient. The decesion and timing of the death is at the initiative of the patient, so I think calling it "suicide" is a lot more appropriate than calling it "murder" or "manslaughter".