Assisted Suicide

[sp1814]

A very complicated and by necessity, emotive subject...

...but what do you think of the ethics behind assisted suicide?

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44069885

Are there circumstances where it is not justified?

Are there circumstances where it is?

Would you support a family member who wanted to end their life?

Or does the sanctity of life trump all else?

[andy-hughes]

I think the phrase 'death is preferable' is incorrect because, as stated, no-one knows what death is actually like.

More accurate would be - the absence of the pain would be preferable, and in some cases, that will only occur when death intervenes - a subtle but important difference.

[Old_Geezer]

"You could solve the greedy relatives issue by making a law where those who chose this route are required to leave their estate to charity."

Thus encouraging the expected benefactors to refuse to allow the suicide regardless, instead. Can't see that being better. Certainly not for the suffering relative.

[Old_Geezer]

That's the government's task to solve. The money has to come from somewhere. In a civilised society the rich wouldn't be able to access help where the poor are denied. It has to come from the pooled financial resources of the nation if it is to be fair.

[Theland]

Just been on the news. 104 year old pioneer of assisted suicide, not sick, just fed up living, has just been assisted to pass over. No opinion. Just saying.

[Neveracrossword]

Theland, is that not the link in the OP?

[rowanwitch]

Tired of life is acceptable to dignitas

[dunnitall]

Well if that is what was wanted by the individual Theland...then so be it. One has to accept the final wishes of another human..yeh?

[Theland]

Got no link. Just watching telly.

[Arksided]

Going back to the OP, I don't think I'd be able to see someone suffering and find it hard to terminate their life, but would do if asked.

[douglas9401]

As an aside, spathiphyllum, I'm organising a delivery of e's to try and break your surly habits.

Some may say 'about time, surely'.

[Mamyalynne]

The link is in the question by SP.

[Neveracrossword]

Theland, the information you gave was in the original post - I think you must have missed it!

[KARL]

Bainbrig 14.33. Clearly if the issue only comes up for consideration when the person is entirely unfit to travel then that is out of the question, but this is the only option in many countries where laws prohibit assisted suicide. However, when travel is to be considered there are other ways than flying (and it is possible that no airline will accept the passenger). My last travel option would be a slow progress to the nearest country permitting assisted suicide, by road and making as frequent stops along the way as necessary.

Personally I would not really care where I were to do the deed if it is proscribed where I live - but properly framed law permitting assisted suicide is always most likely to involve licensed institutions and individuals and that will normally preclude them coming to you.

Because of the tendency for procrastination, obfuscation and general can't do ("want to but, gosh, it's so complicated, have to take everything into account, consider all the.....") assisted suicide is almost certainly a long way off from being legalised in the UK.

[bainbrig]

Point taken, Karl.

[ludwig]

Generally I don't have a problem with it.