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Edited January 15, 201313 yr by hoops5

I'm on the fence with the issue. One part of me says I would rather them go peacefully with the help of a doctor rather than violently. I would think that if someone seriously wanted their life to end, they are going to find a way to do it. My thing is are the people given psychological evaluations before making this decision?

What about assisted suicide for terminal cancer and alzheimers? I don't see how it is humane to force a person with a life-ending painful disease to suffer throught the pain and torment. And, my Mother has alzheimers. And though selfishly, we want her a long as we can have her with us....she would be mortified if she was aware of how she now exists.

What about assisted suicide for terminal cancer and alzheimers? I don't see how it is humane to force a person with a life-ending painful disease to suffer throught the pain and torment. And, my Mother has alzheimers. And though selfishly, we want her a long as we can have her with us....she would be mortified if she was aware of how she now exists.

 

Good point on the selfishness.

 

I'm not sure what I feel about the situation. I think that my religious beliefs put me toward no suicide, assisted or other, but my heart really goes out to those that suffer terminal illnesses and are in pain or are in certain states.

 

I've tried to sit here and imagine what life would be like, being deaf and then ending up blind also. What a terrible situation! Again, I don't think that I could choose to end my life due to religious beliefs, but I don't think that I have the right to make that decision for someone else.

What about assisted suicide for terminal cancer and alzheimers? I don't see how it is humane to force a person with a life-ending painful disease to suffer throught the pain and torment. And, my Mother has alzheimers. And though selfishly, we want her a long as we can have her with us....she would be mortified if she was aware of how she now exists.

 

Thank you, Doomer...that is a very valid question. And, here (as related to one of my first posts in this thread) is where this topic can leap from "Controversial Issues" into the "Religion, Ethics, and Philosophy" realm. My mother-in-law has Alz as well. The family does not understand God's purpose is a disease like Alz. It is very difficult to see the slow progression in her. However, in the midst of the suffering (both her and those around her), God's love can be found. A "once in awhile" smile, a comment that doesn't make sense but is funny, or us slowing down to gently repeat something back to her. Suffering has always been a part of life. We don't understand it or like it, but it is fact for all of us. Many times, suffering (or unfortunate situations) have caused people to come together for a common purpose (e.g. supporting a family member with cancer). I believe we should do everything we can to help people to be comfortable and loved (think hospice), but we should not help others take the "quick and dirty" road to their final demise. There is more to life than what we as humans understand (beyond the physical, emotional, and even spiritual). Only God should be God. That job is above my pay grade.

Thank you, Doomer...that is a very valid question. And, here (as related to one of my first posts in this thread) is where this topic can leap from "Controversial Issues" into the "Religion, Ethics, and Philosophy" realm. My mother-in-law has Alz as well. The family does not understand God's purpose is a disease like Alz. It is very difficult to see the slow progression in her. However, in the midst of the suffering (both her and those around her), God's love can be found. A "once in awhile" smile, a comment that doesn't make sense but is funny, or us slowing down to gently repeat something back to her. Suffering has always been a part of life. We don't understand it or like it, but it is fact for all of us. Many times, suffering (or unfortunate situations) have caused people to come together for a common purpose (e.g. supporting a family member with cancer). I believe we should do everything we can to help people to be comfortable and loved (think hospice), but we should not help others take the "quick and dirty" road to their final demise. There is more to life than what we as humans understand (beyond the physical, emotional, and even spiritual). Only God should be God. That job is above my pay grade.

 

:thumb: :clap:

Thank you, nkypete, for writing that so beautifully, what I could only write harshly.

:thumb: :clap:

Thank you, nkypete, for writing that so beautifully, what I could only write harshly.

 

Pete said nothing about the twins' family so how is this related to what you said that I spoke of as harsh?

Pete said nothing about the twins' family so how is this related to what you said that I spoke of as harsh?

 

I guess I can't begin to understand or predict the range of thoughts and emotions that the twins' family and friends are experiencing. If it were me, I would find it difficult to find other examples to form a basis for knowing how to feel, grieve, etc. Being at peace would not be on my list because deep down in my gut, something would feel very wrong.

I guess I can't begin to understand or predict the range of thoughts and emotions that the twins' family and friends are experiencing. If it were me, I would find it difficult to find other examples to form a basis for knowing how to feel, grieve, etc. Being at peace would not be on my list because deep down in my gut, something would feel very wrong.

 

I think that with many cases that we don't "know how to grieve" whether we have examples or not.

 

We don't know whether the family approved of the twins' choice or not. What we do know is that this is an accepted practice in Belgium. As such, I can't begin to judge the family for the twins' decision.

I think that with many cases that we don't "know how to grieve" whether we have examples or not.

 

We don't know whether the family approved of the twins' choice or not. What we do know is that this is an accepted practice in Belgium. As such, I can't begin to judge the family for the twins' decision.

 

I am with you on this. Yes, life comes with suffering, and from suffering endured comes strength. But, if I get a terminal disease(s), I will be more at peace knowing I have not been a burden to my family and a revenue stream for the local medical establishment....plain and simple.

 

I am with you on this. Yes, life comes with suffering, and from suffering endured comes strength. But, if I get a terminal disease(s), I will be more at peace knowing I have not been a burden to my family and a revenue stream for the local medical establishment....plain and simple.

 

Agree.

 

In the end, is it any more disturbing than making a living will with a DNR? After watching my father suffer terribly through 10 radiation treatments in 15 days in the hopes he could get well enough to begin chemo to treat a terminal condition, I have told my kids that I will NOT treat a terminal condition if that choice has to be made. I will live the end of my life on my terms and die with as little financial and emotional burden on them as possible. I respect my father's decision immensely, but it was emotionally harrowing. My kids are a bit sad, but they watched the same horrible decline in my father as I, and understand. My daughter has even said she would choose the same as I.

 

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Agree.

 

In the end, is it any more disturbing than making a living will with a DNR? After watching my father suffer terribly through 10 radiation treatments in 15 days in the hopes he could get well enough to begin chemo to treat a terminal condition, I have told my kids that I will NOT treat a terminal condition if that choice has to be made. I will live the end of my life on my terms and die with as little financial and emotional burden on them as possible. I respect my father's decision immensely, but it was emotionally harrowing. My kids are a bit sad, but they watched the same horrible decline in my father as I, and understand. My daughter has even said she would choose the same as I.

 

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Living wills with a DNR are wonderful to have. We have one for my mother-in-law. However, assisted suicide crosses a big line and euthanasia goes off a big cliff ethics-wise.

 

Living wills with a DNR are wonderful to have. We have one for my mother-in-law. However, assisted suicide crosses a big line and euthanasia goes off a big cliff ethics-wise.

 

Isn't it a choice in the end? I struggle with this one. For whom is it an ethical dilemma? Those choosing to die, or those assisting? I honestly feel that if I were in the position where I felt I wanted to die that badly and needed assistance, someone would do so. I'd prefer it not be my kids, though.

 

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I'm ok with euthanasia.

 

I am as well. Telling ya boys, I've seen worse things than death. For the individual and the family.

 

But, I'd have to read the article more, as well.