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| The Right For Terminally-Ill Patients To Die; Should people be given the assistance? | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Feb 13 2007, 12:06 PM (398 Views) | |
| JeffLynnesBeard | Feb 13 2007, 12:06 PM Post #1 |
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Administrator & Moderator
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http://society.guardian.co.uk/health/news/0,,2011851,00.html This 30-year old terminally ill woman has resurrected the almost continuous euthanasia debate, saying that her human rights are being contravened by doctors not prescribing her the pain killing drugs she needs in order to not live her life in pain - but the drugs to sedate her into unconsciousness will eventually kill her, which is her wish. Do you believe that Kelly Taylor, and others like her, should have the right to be assisted to die if they wish, or do you think that they should have to live the rest of their natural lives in pain because it is too hot a legal issue and it could lead to unlawful killings by doctors or people with power of attorney? Your views are welcomed. |
| ...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. | |
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| theonlyfab4fan | Feb 13 2007, 12:33 PM Post #2 |
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I AM THE BIGGEST JOHN FAN!
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Yes I most certainly do. I think a person should have the right to choose. I don`t think I should have the right to decided for them but they most certainly should be allowed that dignity if they wish. We can humanely end the life of our pets when they are suffering and have no hope of recovery. And while it pains us terribly to do it we are pleased that we can give them some peace as a reward for all the unconditional love they heeped on us while alive and healthy. Yet we deny the same comfort and dignity to our fellow man. Just doesn`t make any sense at all to me. |
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You say you want to save humanity but it`s people that you just can`t stand John came to me in a dream and this is what he said. "I had a vision of a man on a flaming pie, and he told me that Betsy with a B not Lisa with a L is the biggest fan of mine". John trumps 'the boss' ! I WAS ROBBED BY THAT DEVIL WOMAN | |
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| maccascruff | Feb 13 2007, 01:30 PM Post #3 |
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Sing the Changes
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Yes, I do believe that we should be allowed to do this. We do it for our pets, but we make people suffer it out. I have given explicit instructions to my family that they are not to go to extreme measures. I've even considered getting a tattoo on my chest that says DNR for Do Not Resusitate. |
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| Bag O' Nails | Feb 13 2007, 05:51 PM Post #4 |
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MaccaMomma
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Very controversial; I had to vote "undecided" because there is truth (to me) in both of your questions.
I don't know if it's "humane" but it is certainly "merciful." No one wants to suffer or see someone suffering while dying from something horrible.
The problem with legislation allowing this type of euthanasia is that it opens the door for all kinds of things. When/how/who should decide what/when it is "necessary" to assist a person to die? It's a tricky thing, and I'm fearful that a law could be tweaked for anyone with any reason that they wish to die. Everyone here probably already knows that I am clearly pro-life regarding abortion (killing innocent unborn). However, this differs (in my mind) because one is already independently living (outside his/her mother's womb) and can make decisions for oneself. I only mention this because lots of people tend to assume that pro-lifers are also against euthanasia; don't think that's always the case. |
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| scottycatt | Feb 13 2007, 06:00 PM Post #5 |
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I agree completely and can't improve upon your post.
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Why? | |
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| modgirl1964 | Feb 13 2007, 07:26 PM Post #6 |
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I am for letting the terminally ill to be taken off. I've seen the suffering of a terminally ill patient and it was heartbreaking, esp when it was my uncle. He was in constant pain for the last week of his life, but the doctors kept wanting to try more treaments on him though they knew he wouldn't had more than two months to live, and those months in pain. He begged to my aunt and my mother to take him off. He was tired of being in pain, he was tired of doctors trying things on him that wasn't going to cure him, he knew he was done and knew how our hearts were breaking. So we signed the forms and took him off four days after his twin granddaughters were born. When he was taken off, he looked at ease and almost himself again. It's been 5 years now, but I don't reget that choice we made and for listening to him. No, there's not a day that I don't miss him, but I know that now he's pain free and somewhere back to himself. I had to go through that choice another two times in my life with two of my aunts, and each time, we all knew we made the right choices. Why leave them to suffer when it's been made clear there's no chance of a cure? Why let them sit in pain day after day when they know it's over and they just want to go? It's not playing God, it's letting go when needed. |
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| JeffLynnesBeard | Feb 13 2007, 09:16 PM Post #7 |
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Humane is a synonym of merciful, so - in essence - it is the same thing. Humane: Characterized by kindness, mercy, or compassion. |
| ...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. | |
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| Merry | Feb 13 2007, 09:33 PM Post #8 |
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I'm from Jack Kervorkian's home state, and I'm sure most of you know that he has been in prison for the last several years for trying to assist people that wanted to end their lives due to disease. I was very upset when he was convicted as a criminal for it. Anyhow, I think that a person should have the right to make that decision for themselves. Something as important as that shouldn't be determined by anyone else...allow a person that one final dignity. Merry
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| Queenbee | Feb 13 2007, 09:33 PM Post #9 |
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When we recently updated our legally documents, besides the LIVING WILL which states how we don't want to be kept alive. But it also states that they can't keep us on liquids or can't starve us to death which can be very painful. Everyone over the age of 18 should having a Living Will. |
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PEACE and love to my friends, Judy When the Power of Love over comes the Love of Power, the world will know Peace. -Sri Chinmnoy Ghose Till me meet again ~ I Love you Mike! You were one of a kind. | |
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| BikerLikeAnIcon | Feb 13 2007, 09:37 PM Post #10 |
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Absolutely. I am pro "right to die" even though it is not a popular stance here in the south. I have been critized for supporting the right to die because I am a nurse. How is that an argument? Does anyone realize what we see during the course of our career? Nobody knows how many times I have silently said, "Dear Lord, just take them on. I can't help them anymore. Only YOU can end their suffering." Sometimes all the pain medication in the world isn't enough. Does that make me less of a nurse? I don't think so. |
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| Dorfliedot | Feb 13 2007, 09:38 PM Post #11 |
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Beatlelicious
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God is only one who should play god. |
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| theonlyfab4fan | Feb 13 2007, 09:58 PM Post #12 |
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I AM THE BIGGEST JOHN FAN!
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If I am terminally ill and don`t wish to have my suffering prolonged that is not playing god. That is being a self advocate. Being able to decide that for ones self is no more playing god, than when 2 people decide they want to have a child is playing god. It is part of being a human being. Playing god would be sitting here and telling someone else what is best for them when I am not the one that has to live with the consequences. |
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You say you want to save humanity but it`s people that you just can`t stand John came to me in a dream and this is what he said. "I had a vision of a man on a flaming pie, and he told me that Betsy with a B not Lisa with a L is the biggest fan of mine". John trumps 'the boss' ! I WAS ROBBED BY THAT DEVIL WOMAN | |
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| Dorfliedot | Feb 13 2007, 10:01 PM Post #13 |
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Beatlelicious
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Maybe, if it thats persons choice.but, I sure don't want someone to decided When I should die. |
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| theonlyfab4fan | Feb 13 2007, 10:03 PM Post #14 |
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I AM THE BIGGEST JOHN FAN!
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No one is suggesting the decision to end ones life should be anyones but the person who has decided they don`t wish to have their suffering prolonged. |
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You say you want to save humanity but it`s people that you just can`t stand John came to me in a dream and this is what he said. "I had a vision of a man on a flaming pie, and he told me that Betsy with a B not Lisa with a L is the biggest fan of mine". John trumps 'the boss' ! I WAS ROBBED BY THAT DEVIL WOMAN | |
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| Queenbee | Feb 13 2007, 10:07 PM Post #15 |
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Moderator
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I'll make sure I have enough drugs that will do me in. Just taking too much fiorinal w/codeine will get you to the point of no return. |
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PEACE and love to my friends, Judy When the Power of Love over comes the Love of Power, the world will know Peace. -Sri Chinmnoy Ghose Till me meet again ~ I Love you Mike! You were one of a kind. | |
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| beatlespud | Feb 13 2007, 10:09 PM Post #16 |
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Tassy, my wife is TMA and has worked in both nursing homes and assisted living and her opinion is quite similar to yours. So you do have some people who empathise with you.... The day my father died... the doctor advised we take him off oxygen, antibiotics and the IV so nature could take it's course... it was hard decision for my mother to make but we mostly felt it was the best decision to stop prolonging the pain... My youngest sister feels that my dad must have felt it was time to stop fighting at that point being he passed on only 30-45 minutes after he was taken off... when my time comes and there is no hope... that is what I want for myself... Dean |
| Save the whales, collect the entire set!!! | |
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| Sandra | Feb 13 2007, 10:27 PM Post #17 |
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I totally agree Tassy, though it is not a popular stance here either. I think people often have quite unrealistic expectations of what can be done to help someone recover. (I blame TV medical dramas personally. :lol: ) It is a particularly difficult situation, when a patient can't decide for themselves and their families disagree about the best course of action. There is a time for everyone to realise that there is no more that we can do other than care for and comfort someone at the end of their life and I don't see anything to be gained by prolonging suffering. I don't believe someone should be in pain or distress even if administering medication to relieve it is going to hasten the end of their life. |
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| Deleted User | Feb 14 2007, 12:00 AM Post #18 |
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Life is life, so I say it should be protected at all costs. |
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| Deleted User | Feb 14 2007, 01:17 AM Post #19 |
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I agree with Tassy on this. If I'm 85 and ate up with cancer, help me out of my misery. |
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| kink | Feb 14 2007, 01:22 AM Post #20 |
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on again, off again
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well said.
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Strawberry Fields: We put the FUN in dysfunctional. -BeatleBarb, 2007 | |
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| beatlechick | Feb 14 2007, 01:41 AM Post #21 |
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In Paul's Arms!
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Merry, I was upset, too! My boyfriend's mother was one of Kevorkian's 'patients.' She had stomach cancer and at one point was told by Kaiser Permanente Hospital that she was hysterical and to go home. That was their diagnosis of the extreme pain she lived in. After suffering from this she decided that her life was a living hell and that it was something she could no longer endure. She had no life and felt it best that she would visit Kevorkian. I, too, believe in the physician-assisted suicide and wish someone like Kevorkian was around. My mother's health plummets and she really has no life. She often wishes that she had help to die. At the age of 80 standing at about 5' weighing in at 60 lbs she really has nothing. She is in pain very frequently (an agressive form of rheumatoid arthritis) and can no longer be trusted to be alone. She falls, gets sick, has lots of pain, and there is nothing my brother nor I can do but make sure she is alright. We both feel very helpless but her body and her spirit carry on. |
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| beatlechick | Feb 14 2007, 01:48 AM Post #22 |
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In Paul's Arms!
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Tassy, I can't imagine the pain you have to endure just to keep from screaming out loud after seeing what the patients have to deal with. I used to work in a convalescent hospital where most of the patients were seniors waiting to either continue living with whatever ailed them or to die. It was hard to see on my end what was going on. It was sad to lose them but in knowing that they no longer suffered, it gladdened your heart. In California we do have the right to die as long as it isn't suicide. Sounds kind of weird to say we have the right to die but it simply means that you make the arrangements with your caregiver to not use any means to bring you back to life. Just like with DNR, you have to let it be known that no treatments can be administered to you to keep you alive. |
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| Merry | Feb 14 2007, 02:04 AM Post #23 |
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I'm so sorry, Cathy...my heart goes out to you and your boyfriend, it has to be very hard for you both to deal with this. There is something very wrong when we can take our unwell animals to a vet to ease their suffering, but we aren't allowed to do the same for loved ones. Kervorkian has been ill himself and may get out on parole this year. They don't expect him to live much longer. Merry |
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| beatlechick | Feb 14 2007, 02:11 AM Post #24 |
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In Paul's Arms!
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Merry, I knew he was very ill but didn't know he was that sick. It's a shame that no one wants to pick up where Kevorkian left off. Thank you, Merry for your kind words. My boyfriends mother died some 10 years ago but my mother is still around. She has her good moments and bad moments. Used to be good days and bad days but that is long gone. I think what really keeps her alive is her cat. Her cat is a one person cat and it would be very hard for her to cope being anywhere else. My mom and her cat have a very symbiotic relationship. |
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| Bill | Feb 14 2007, 03:29 AM Post #25 |
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I'm kind of torn on this. I support the right to die and I oppose those who try to stop it. No-one can possibly imagine the pain and torment that some people must be going through. However, I balk at legitimising assisted suicide in law. My reason is that although I support the right to die, it must be absolutely voluntary. If it became more mainstream it could potentially put pressure on terminally ill patients. They may see others choosing to end their lives on their own terms and feel pressured to do the same rather than be a burdon on families and resources. That cannot be allowed to happen. While I support the right to die, I also support the right to fight to the very last gasp. We all know that assisted suicide goes on. People turn a blind eye to it in certain circumstances and I have no problem with that. And I have no problem with it continuing to be the case. But I do worry about the practise becoming mainstream. |
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| Deleted User | Feb 14 2007, 05:16 AM Post #26 |
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I was going to leave a major statement out here, but on further consideration I've decided to pull it completely. |
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| Deleted User | Feb 14 2007, 06:47 AM Post #27 |
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Deleted. |
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| scottycatt | Feb 14 2007, 07:17 AM Post #28 |
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Icarus and Cord, please -- feel free to speak your minds. Your opinions are valued.
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Why? | |
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| Deleted User | Feb 14 2007, 07:33 AM Post #29 |
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My post was in response to having read Icarus' post. And, because she felt compelled to pull her post, I felt it necessary to do the same out of respect to her. |
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| scottycatt | Feb 14 2007, 07:37 AM Post #30 |
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Seems I've been missing out on a lot lately. Maybe it's for the best.
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Why? | |
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| JeffLynnesBeard | Feb 14 2007, 01:02 PM Post #31 |
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I understand what you're saying, Bill, and understand your concerns, but the problem with 'turning a blind eye' is that it, in law, doesn't work very well. While there is stature on the books saying that something is illegal then the authorities can only 'turn a blind' eye until someone complains about the practise and then the police have their hands tied - they have to apply the law. I am certainly in favour of assisting those who are terminally ill to bring forward their departure, if it is indeed their wish and, of course, would want to see it well documented so that the doctors, relatives and - most importantly - the patients themselves had a safeguard. |
| ...and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. | |
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| BeatleBarb | Feb 14 2007, 05:39 PM Post #32 |
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I had my living will and end of life directives done this past fall. I made sure the youngest wasn't in charge as he had a gleam in his eye about the pull the plug part! |
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