Assisted Dying Bill

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28274531

Lord Carey appears to have had a conversion on the road to Damascus on this issue. As an ex-Archbish, he still commands much respect, and his views may be enough to tip the balance here.

[jim360]

Just to be clear, I don't have a problem with emotions in the debate. I just don't think that the strong emotions should have a part in lawmaking.

[pixie373]

They do.

[jim360]

I don't particularly have much faith in the idea that the loopholes would be closed. They never are anywhere else. Why should this be any different?

[jim360]

Anyway, I've said my bit. Thank goodness that I don't have any part in the actual decision.

[Zacs-Master]

'Faith'. I thought you didn't believe in such things?

[EDDIE51]

I was in favour of assisted dying until I saw this
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2686711/Dont-make-mistake-As-assisted-suicide-bill-goes-Lords-Dutch-regulator-backed-euthanasia-warns-Britain-leads-mass-killing.html
I have to say the Dutch regulator has a point, once the 'genie is out of the bottle' there is no going back. Assisted dying starts to become a 'normal treatment'
There is concern that in Holland many people are asking for assisted dying out of fear of becoming a 'Burden' to their relatives. If it is ever introduced it will inevitably become more and more common as the rules about eligibility are gradually relaxed.

[pixie373]

What are the loopholes, exactly? We have no regulations at all now- surely the law should make things clearer? We already know it will only be for people with less than 6 months to live (diagnosed by 2 independent doctors) and the person themselves has to make the decision. That is more than we have now. What worries you?

[naomi24]

Jim, your 'loophole' assumes that the doctor administering the fatal dose would necessarily be in league with the family member who can't wait to get his sticky mits on the spoils. I've no doubt that if this were ever to become law, procedures would be put into place to ensure best practice - for example at least two doctors in agreement - so do you really think your scenario is likely?

[pixie373]

Personally, if i would rather die than be a burden on my children, that's my own business. That would not fit the regulations though, so wouldn't be allowed.

[sandyRoe]

There comes a time in the treatment of terminally ill patients who are in great pain when the analgesic dose necessary to relieve it may kill them. Since Shipman's time have doctors been reluctant to administer the necessary pain relief for fear they may be accused of murder?

[Svejk]

worries, pixie. read eddies link.

[Jeza]

Long before Mic's stroke he was very unwell. I think he spoke of taking his own life before the pain got too bad. It would be unfair to name whom he spoke to. When he had his stroke he was expected to die. Proved to me there was still fight in him. He is no longer in pain so I hope he is with me for many more years. I do think if someone is in severe pain and it is getting worse, not better we should allow them to die. We help our pets, why not our loved ones.

[naomi24]

I agree with Pixie. I wouldn't want to be a burden either. If people want to die, who has the right to tell them they can't?

[pixie373]

I just have, svejk. It's popular, therefore a failure! Why are people so squeamish? We won't live forever.

[EDDIE51]

^^ read the article carefully Holland has now added Dementia and Depression to the conditions where 'assisted dying' can be implemented and has introduced 'mobile death units' to cope with demand!

[pixie373]

Not surprisingly- they are two exceptionally difficult conditions to live with. Of course, Holland have had this law for 12 years now- so people have been able to make decisions in advance, too.

[naomi24]

So there's a demand. Isn't that the point? It's a demand we're currently not addressing.

[gness]

My brother and I looked after my Mum for six years....it was hard but at no time during those six years did we want her life to be ended.

It would have been easier for us if it was...and we would have benefited financially.

Now she is in the home....most of her money gone and we don't have to care for her...just weekly visits....but I wish there was a way to end her life now.

It's what she would want and if I could...I would end it for her.

[sherrardk]

I hope they include PSV, I don't believe you are in physical pain but being 'shut off' must be unbearable.

[jim360]

Surely already this demonstrates the point that the tight controls this law has -- severe pain, terminal, only six months left to live -- won't last? Doesn't this make my scenario suddenly more likely?

If of course you aren't bothered about wanting to die out of fears of being a burden, then it does take the sting out of my argument somewhat, but if we're discussing the idea of assisted dying for depression then suddenly I do speak from experience. That further step would be seriously troubling.