The Last Supper

[Khandro]

Euthanasia, where do you stand?

https://www.crisismagazine.com/2020/a-grim-new-meaning-to-last-supper

[DTCwordfan]

khandro, are you sure you wanted to say 'Euthanasia, where do you stand?' - I thought the intent was to end up horizontal in a box.

I'm pro it - having seen at first hand what Dementia does - book me a one-way ticket to Switzerland or the Neths....though the process should be well controlled as in a signoff from two docs/psychiatrist/judge when compos mentis and then from a judge when death is a necessity.

[andy-hughes]

It's a matter of individual circumstances.

I am sure that Christians regard all life as sacred, and as such, will probably decide that any euthanasia is wrong, much in the same way that they believe abortion to be wrong.

As an atheist, I believe that the right of the individual to determine their own future for their own body trumps the rights of strangers with their own religious agenda, but as I say, I fully expect any and all Christians to disagree.

[bhg481]

I believe that the only thing which really belongs to me is my life and that I should have the right to end it when I wish. Our daughter has been told, in no uncertain terms, that both of us wish to have our life terminated if we have no quality of life. There is a very distinct difference between being alive and living.

[Spicerack]

Recently read about a physically healthy teenager who used the service in Holland. ( I think)
All the safeguards get eroded once the zealots get their foot in the door.

[bhg481]

Interesting, Vulcan. In our supermarket the two are displayed next to each other;perhaps this is because the the young studs want to make sure that the condom purchase isn't a waste of money.

[bhg481]

Sorry - wrong thread.

[Spicerack]

^ Wrong thread, I hope.

[Khandro]

Indeed! :0)

[Ellipsis]

I'm pro euthanasia but admit it's tricky.

For example, if somebody was born fit and healthy, lived a great life and was made quadriplegic at age 80, I would support their choice of euthanasia. But if somebody was born quadriplegic, I wouldn't support their choice of euthanasia until they'd given life a good go.

Also I don't think somebody who's suicidal is a great candidate for euthanasia. I think it needs to be a cold, rational choice made by someone in good mental health.

[woofgang]

I am pro choice and pro choice for older teens too. I think we can't know how bad their suffering is, things that one person can manage another cannot...I also know that if someone is determined to suicide they will do it.

[woofgang]

Ellipsis, if they were born quadriplegic, by the time they are in their teenage years, they WILL have given life a go.

[woofgang]

you don't get it do you? Physical health is not the be all and end all. mental illness can make people suffer unendurably too.

[Spicerack]

Teenagers tend to change their minds a lot. (whilst alive)

[david small]

Pro.

[Ellipsis]

> you don't get it do you?

If that's to me, yes, I do get it. I gave some examples, not an exhaustive list.

[Spicerack]

I think it was to me, ellipsis.
Recent case in Canada.
Suicidal teenage girl texts male friend. Friend replies 'Let's do it now', picks her up. Takes her to shop, buys rope. Takes her to woods, hangs her.
What do you think as someone who gets it, woof?

[woofgang]

I don't think that sufficient consideration here is being given to the extreme suffering that mental health problems can visit on the sufferer. If the person was in good mental health then they would not want to commit suicide. I agree that there needs to be checks and balances, especially for younger people but being physically unwell or diabled is not the only valid reason for wanting to end one's own life.

Gerard Manley Hopkins
No worst, there is none. Pitched past pitch of grief,
More pangs will, schooled at forepangs, wilder wring.
Comforter, where, where is your comforting?
Mary, mother of us, where is your relief?
My cries heave, herds-long; huddle in a main, a chief
Woe, wórld-sorrow; on an áge-old anvil wince and sing —
Then lull, then leave off. Fury had shrieked 'No ling-
ering! Let me be fell: force I must be brief."'

O the mind, mind has mountains; cliffs of fall
Frightful, sheer, no-man-fathomed. Hold them cheap
May who ne'er hung there. Nor does long our small
Durance deal with that steep or deep. Here! creep,
Wretch, under a comfort serves in a whirlwind: all
Life death does end and each day dies with sleep.

[Old_Geezer]

Where do I stand ? Hmmm...
If you give me a while I could probably compile a list, if that's any use.

[Khandro]

woofgang; //If the person was in good mental health then they would not want to commit suicide.//

That's not really for you to say, a person can be 1st class mentally but hopelessly out of it physically & wish to move on.

[woofgang]

khandro I agree. I was responding to ellipsis' comment.

"Also I don't think somebody who's suicidal is a great candidate for euthanasia. I think it needs to be a cold, rational choice made by someone in good mental health."