Should Euthanasia Now Be Made Legal In The Uk?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-3098418/A-death-dividing-Britain-s-emotive-issue-father-three-girls-right-life-Swiss-clinic-three-writers-different-views.html

We have seen the law changed regarding Gay marriages, why hasn't this more important issue not been addressed?

[Ellipsis]

Yep, I completely see and get that Clanad (and Svejk), but I still don't see what's wrong with a law that gives me choice over my own life if I so desire that. What's wrong with having some choice and dignity in the matter, for those who want it? We all have to die ... failing to provide a choice of how merely prolongs the inevitable, or (like abortion pre that law) forces people into unpleasant action or a visit abroad.

[vetuste_ennemi]

The arguments against the legalisation of euthanasia are, simply viewed, of two kinds, Ellipsis: firstly that it's wrong in principle (probably Clanad's position), and secondly that it may have undesirable consequences (argued by Svejk and others - and me for that matter - who think we should evaluate any new legislation by trying to consider its likely, or possible outcomes rather than merely its intentions. I doubt that the majority of "women's right to choose" campaigners back in the sixties INTENDED legal abortion to end up as the lazy or stupid woman's birth control.

[Ellipsis]

I can understand why people who are against euthanasia in principle, such as Clanad, would not want a law that allowed it in any circumstances.

But when it comes your more pragmatic viewpoint, v_e, what's your problem with you being provided an opt-out (or me an opt-in)? What is wrong with personal choice in this matter?

I do not wish to force assisted suicide onto you, if you don't want it. Likewise, I do not wish prolonged living to be forced onto me, if I don't want it.

I doubt the lawmakers of the country would agree with you that they couldn't frame a law. It's not really a great reason for not making a law - that it would be too difficult or have unforeseen consequences. You might say the same about any law.

[woofgang]

"Woof... everything... absolutely everything that is present in the construct of a human at the time of his/her death is there at the instant of conception. The only thing that changes is quantity and how the two differ in looks... no?"

Well I am not sure that is true Clanad. I would say that a fertilised human egg is a potential human.

[ToraToraTora]

you cannot separate it elipsis, follow this path and you follow where the Dutch are. An ever widening power for doctors to euthantise. If you want to die fine, find a way but if you use the law you sentence many others to death in your wake. The Dutch are generally a liberal Nation but at the risk of invoking Godwins law they follow a very dangerous path on this that I am sure was not forseen by all those with good intentions who started down this road.

[Ellipsis]

This is not some minor bone of contention, as the result of the status quo is a sentence of years and years of miserable existence on each of many thousands people who would rather not. Sane, rational people should be allowed choice in this matter - a better choice than the current ones of living a miserable life, topping themselves nastily or going abroad for something more dignified. We treat animals better.

[woofgang]

Ab Editor, might be a good one for a vote?

[Paul22118]

Legalise it with safeguards.