Since we have an abortion thread going let's look at another topic. Euthanasia. Is it right is it wrong? For that matter what is considered euthanasia? As medical techniques and research improve people can live longer lives however when is it too much? Suppose a person is dying of cancer and it is inoperable and incurable. Should they be required to stay alive just because medical science can buy them more time? I've seen pain and suffering as I'm sure many of you have. A cousin of mine died of colon cancer. It was not fun to watch a vibrant 6' 4" man wither away in misery believe me. He was full of drugs and basically out of touch. Is that life? I don't think so. If it were me I'd have no problem with someone assisting me out of my misery. Of course this decision has to made when one is "sound of mind". I'm afraid he wasn't at this point. Years ago my sister and her in-laws had a very difficult decision to make. My brother-in-law had acute pancreatitis. There was nothing that could be done. He was living with the aid of machines. He was not consious. Just "there". They decided to "pull the plug". He died peacefully. My sister spent a long time in therapy after that but if you think about it she did nothing wrong. Had there not been machines (as in the old days) he would not have lived nearly as long. He would have died. It was inevitable. Interested to hear your thoughts and experiences. clembo
My wife and I have both agreed, if it takes a machine to keep us alive, we are not interested, pull the plug. If life would mean living like a dribbling mess vegetable, pull the plug. This is written down and signed and notarized and in my safe.
I agree but I do believe the patient needs to make their wishes known ahead of time- my wife & I have had the same conversation. Coincidently, my family just went through this last week with my wife's aunt. She was of sound mind but her internal organs had all shut down & it was merely a matter of time. Her decision was either stayed hooked up and live another couple of months or go home to die. She chose to come home and die in her bed...she passed away peacefully last Thursday.
A tough decision for some... Never-the-less, it should be legal and covered by insurance. David, God Bless your aunt and her life...
I agree. It comes down though, are you talking about the injection, or just pulling the plug? IMHO, here it all depends on the person, if they are just a "vegetable", then I would say it probably would be the best thing to do. PRobably the hardest, but the best. When it comes to animals, if they are suffering, then I do believe that "putting them to sleep" is the best thing. Humans, if there is no chance of survival, or if it is going to be excruciatingly painful where it's just not worth it, then it probably is the best thing. Phoenix
I think it should be that persons decision, and that persons decision only. If they are on life support, then they stay on it unless you have something specifically written by them that they say to do it. stainless
David, Words do not express my sorrow for your family. I think it's in Gods hands now, and am grateful to hear she went peacefully and at home, where she belonged. God Bless. Jack
David my condolences to you and your family on your loss but from the sound of it the Lady went out with dignaty and how she wanted it amongst her loved ones. Me I am in favour of Euthenasia if that is the patients wish and the condition is not reversable, but I would also expect safeguards to be in place just in case a person was not mentaly fit to decide. Last thing one wants is people to profit from tragedy.
Like everyone else, my sympathy and prayers go to you and your family man. Take care, and hang in there. Phoenix
