Euthanasia should it be legalised?

[sexyrussian]

I am discussing Euthanasia at Uni today and whether when we graduate as doctors will we perform them should it become legal.I decided that I would not but I was wondering what you thought.I do not necessarily feel it is because it is wrong to take your own life but because it is impossible to conduct it without corruption.If Euthanasia was made legal elderly people would feel pressurised or bullied to go for Euthanasia.What are your views on Euthanasia?

[blue eyes ;)]

mmmm hard one.i too have views about it both ways.i read in a mag that one lady was sure she wanted to die,but was helped back to a stable positonin hospital and then was so glad she hadnt decided to end her life.but on the other hand if someone is ill with a terminal illness and suffer great pain then maybe they should have the right to choose to die.its a tricky one isnt it.x

[sexyrussian]

Yeah there is that argument as well.It could be taken as an option when the person could be nursed back to proper health.Thanks for your answer.

[littletimmy]

Personally I agree with Euthanasia.Eventhough it is open to considerable abuse something should not be stopped being made legal because the minority may have been forced or pressurized into it.What is more if anyone wants Euthanasia they can get it from other foreign countries anyway so it is happening.Better to give tham the chance to die in their own country.

[sexyrussian]

I totally disagree with you but I did ask for people's opinion so I won't get into an argument.

[girl_lesbian]

I completely agree with euthanasia. Your life is your own and it should be your own choice whether you live or die. If a person was suffering and asked me to help them die, I would be completely willing.

[unruliejulie]

I'm all for it! its got to be strictly monitered though. I know if i had the choice i would want to die peacefully, not in pain. We don't let animals sufffer so why humans?

[sexyrussian]

Very good answers everyone give yourself a pat on the back!I personally do not think anyone has the right to take their own life but I would not stop them if they wanted to it is their decision after all.

[fwoggit]

Assisted suicide, ie; euthanasia is very different. Do you not agree with assisted suicide purely because of corruption or because you believe people with terminal illnesses must suffer to the very end in abject agony?

What are your views on living wills? we have the right to refuse treatment but not pain relief.

http://www.euthanasia.cc/sutton.html

this may help in your discussions later.....

[david small]

As a personal opinion, I feel strongly that we should be given the choice to� die with dignity�
if that is possible. It is not for governments or the BMA to dictate our manner of leaving this world. It is a personal choice, and as such should be respected. Not every soul wants to cling to the last vestige of a life no longer tolerable. We are entitled to make this decision, it is our existence, if we should choose to end our misery and pain, no one has the right to force you to endure the unendurable. I predict in the future euthanasia will become acceptable.

[tinkertontom]

if a person is in a lot of pain and there is not a cure or relief from his or her illness then yes I agree to euthanasia after all you wouldn't let an animal suffer so why should we humans , and if it's a persons wish to be put to sleep with dignity then let them

[sexyrussian]

I agree with the principal of Euthanasia but because it is impossible to go about it without corruption I believe it is better not to allow it altoghther and judging by the amount of students in my course who agree with me I think it will be a long time before it is allowed.

[Pippa68]

It's not impossible to have euthanasia without corruption. I think you will find that there are probably more cases of justified euthanasia than you think.

I don't think you should be judging public opinion by what you think is right or by asking your fellow students either.

How about setting up a real poll?

[sexyrussian]

There was one done in the independant newspaper and as I recall ,it was about even for and against although the problem with this poll is that it is only getting results from one social class.

[kags]

In cases where a person is fully aware of the consequences of their request, and is able to communicate a request to be helped to die, then at first glance it seems simple that euthanasia should be allowed. But my concern is that this would be the thin end of a very big wedge.
In society, we place huge importance on being able bodied. I have heard many young, healthy people say � I would rather be dead than on a life-support machine� or �a quadriplegic�. This is devaluing the lives of those who are those positions. Similarly I have heard people tell me that if they were terminally ill they would want to die quickly rather than have their lives extended by aggressive treatments. Again, how do we place a value on a day or an hour or a month of our own lives should we end up in that position, let alone the lives of others?
I am just not comfortable with the fact that if I became unable to communicate my wishes, someone else could pass a judgment on the value of my life. Even if I had previously stated I was in favour of being euthanized, what if I changed my mind? In summary I think the cost of making a mistake would outweigh any of the perceived advantages.

[sexyrussian]

Thanks for your answers people.Although I do not agree with you all you have all answered sensibly and thoughtfully so thank you.Thanks especially to kags for that very thorough answer (which I agree with totally).

[smudge]

I posted my views on Euthanasia some time back here:

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question203232.html

[smudge]

Sorry my post's a bit late, but have only just got in!

[sexyrussian]

Thanks.I knew that my post would get over 10 answers (excluding mine)even when all my usual posters are ignoring me.Thanks people you have made me realise it doesn't matter if they ignore me I still have enough people who will answer my question if I am mature.Thank You.

[smudge]

Not sure what you mean sexyrussian - but if I read a question & feel like participating, then I will.

Enjoy your evening!

[sexyrussian]

Thanks smudge