What would you do in this ladies situation?

[beryllium]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml =/news/2007/02/12/nrighttodie112.xml

Would it be against her human rights to force feed her?

[prattler]

This is one of these ethical dilemmas and at the end of the day, the law is interwined with ethics and constantly evolving-more so with each case that is brought before the courts.At the end of the day, despite whether or not the woman involved gets her wishes- we will all have an opinion.My ethos is that I'm in no position to judge someone unless I'm in the position to walk in their shoes so to speak.I often say that if I get Alzeimers, I'd like to have a cyanide tablet handy-but would I forget I had it anyway?A very grey area..:-(

[Eve]

Having considered some of the more complex issues in cases of this side studing law and medical ethics as part of my law degree I know that legally wise it is a difficult area.

However, on a personal note and having also done a large amount of voluntary work including in a hospice I understand people's wish to end their lifes their way and with as much dignity as they deserve.

I believe that people in certain circumstances should be able to end their life legally, under a regulated scheme and under the appropriate medical supervision and with specially trained staff eg specialist clinics such as those abroad where people can be at peace surrounded by friends and family in a comfortable and understanding environment.

[kaylamay]

Very sad!! She cannot expect a licensed doctor to do this for her as part of there oath is, "Do no harm". It would be completely unethical for a doctor to do this and he/she would lose their license. If it were me and i was that determined i would save up my medication and wait for whoever was home to leave and then i would over dose myself. I would make sure i did it early enough in the day so that when i was found it would be too late. Very tragic and sad.

[Oneeyedvic]

"do no harm" - very nice sentiment - but the doctors are actually doing harm by keeping her alive.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Why would you want to keep someone alive by force feeding them against their wishes?

She's of sound mind and her decision should be respected IMO.

[beryllium]

I believe she will not win this case and she has made it a lot worse for herself. To change this Law would take an Act of Parliament.

A hospice would have been a kind way to go.

I do deeply understand why she wants to die at home but unless she has the strength in her hands to overdose it wont happen.

I still have the thought myself to go to Holland if I decide I've had enough. The choice is there if you really do want to end it quickly and with the right drug.

Her Living Will should protect her against the force feeding.