Liberals vote to legalize assisted suicide

[strombad]

Originally Posted by Ark2

You seem to be making the incorrect assumption that suicidal ideation is only a symptom of depression. The reality is, there are a number of psychiatric conditions that can lead to thoughts of suicide, and, with all respect, I don't think you are an authority to say that his suggestions are unfounded. That being said, I think that with proper regulations and restrictions, medically assisted suicide is something that I could support, but I would need to see it fleshed out more than just the broad statement that the Liberals have provided thus far.

What I'm saying, as you've reiterated, is that suicide isn't decided upon in a logic driven manner. Regardless of the mental condition that causes the act, I think it's a strong argument to suggest that teen suicide rates are largely independent of logical comparisons.

Netherlands, for instance, legalized euthanasia in 2002, and has seen no measurable increase in suicide rates. This doesn't speak to teens in particular, but it's fair to note that it hasn't had any real effect on the rate.

[ernie]

Originally Posted by strombad

What I'm saying, as you've reiterated, is that suicide isn't decided upon in a logic driven manner. Regardless of the mental condition that causes the act, I think it's a strong argument to suggest that teen suicide rates are largely independent of logical comparisons.

Netherlands, for instance, legalized euthanasia in 2002, and has seen no measurable increase in suicide rates. This doesn't speak to teens in particular, but it's fair to note that it hasn't had any real effect on the rate.

Let me sum up:

Assisted suicide/dying with dignity is a decision made with logic and rational thinking.

What other things we'd term Suicide is not logical in the least and not a rational decision.

Promoting the logical and rational choice in a SPECIFIC set of circumstances isn't going to influence the group that isn't thinking logically to begin with.

Now if this is a concern people seriously have then heck wrap it up with some increased funding for mental illness. It's needed.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Yes, obviously it is a last resort. It's always the last thing you do.

My problem is that something like this might move suicide up a level or two in the minds of younger people as an option to take.

No doctor is going to allow you to kill yourself due to emotional pain.

Sane people always choose hope and will persue that until they feel there is none. There is a particular pattern to suicide and if one is trained to notice the signs it can be prevent.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by Dion

No doctor is going to allow you to kill yourself due to emotional pain.

Sane people always choose hope and will persue that until they feel there is none. There is a particular pattern to suicide and if one is trained to notice the signs it can be prevent.

Again, I'm not talking about assisted suicide of those in physical pain increasing the rates of assisted suicide amongst younger people.

I'm talking about assisted suicide having an impact on, well, individual suicide. No help from anybody.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Again, I'm not talking about assisted suicide of those in physical pain increasing the rates of assisted suicide amongst younger people.

I'm talking about assisted suicide having an impact on, well, individual suicide. No help from anybody.

It won't have any impact on individual suicides. By the time a depressed person reaches the suicidal stage they are so self absorbed in thier own emotional pain that they are oblivous to what is going on around them. Now a depressed person might be aware that assisted suicides are happening but it won't quicken the time it takes to reach the suicidal stage as they are still searching for a cure for their emotional pain.

[krynski]

I'm okay with it, as long as it is tightly regulated.

A major philosophical issue is where do you draw the line? The potential exists for a slippery slope.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by krynski

I'm okay with it, as long as it is tightly regulated.

A major philosophical issue is where do you draw the line? The potential exists for a slippery slope.

My problem comes when the person can't make the decison and the doctor or and family makes it for them.

[strombad]

Originally Posted by krynski

I'm okay with it, as long as it is tightly regulated.



A major philosophical issue is where do you draw the line? The potential exists for a slippery slope.

Well, from what I can tell from the Netherlands, it's only deemed acceptable if a number of criteria are met, including:
Expected length of remaining life
Quality of life during the duration (extremely low)
Chance of cure (extremely low to zero)
And a few others.

Obviously it would be insanely regulated, and likely decided on by a panel of doctors, not just one, to decide if the prognosis is bad enough to deem it an acceptable option.

[pylon]

I personally believe the terminology should be changed, to separate it from suicide. I believe it should be simply called Euthanasia. Suicide has a societal stigma to it, and I somewhat agree, it may lead to wider acceptance of the practice in youth. "Aunty May killed herself, why can't I?" You do not take your dog to the vet for "assisted suicide" it is to be euthanized.

Regardless of the technicalities, of having to drink the concoction yourself or not, without the intervention of a professional to help you go in a peaceful manner, you aren't going to get the job done if you are so ill you are bed ridden. I believe it should be done in the same manner. You are peacefully put to sleep with an injection. All that you have to do, is say "Now." if you are capable. Or at least have directions in your will, as to how it is to be carried out, and at what point.

Personally, I believe you should have the right to go on your terms, if you are suffering. And I am sure there will be no shortage of people willing to specialize in this field. I truly feel, and I personally would choose, to peacefully fall asleep while I am somewhat lucid, and have a little dignity left. Than suffer through a torturous hell of pain and suffering, for just a few extra months or even years.

Here is a video from a Swiss documentary showing how peaceful this woman chose to leave this Earth. She left happy, and surrounded by friends on her terms (even though there was some debate of if her disease warranted it.) Warning, it does actually show someone in the last moments of their life.

NSFW!

[Dion]

NSFW!