Mad Kally

If it were legal and it was my duty to do it, The patient wanted it, I would not hesitate. My ALS patient no longer had any facial movement or anything else left. Just the clear brain..

winstonjen

I'm glad you feel that way. However, if it was made legal, no one would be forced to do it. You could have to refer another nurse or doctor, though.

It would definitely be better than it is today, where people are forced to live by pro-lifers.

Mad Kally

I'm a strong atheist. There would be no need to ask for someone else to do it.. especially if that's what the patient wants.

winstonjen

Oh, thats good, but I was just making a point that people who are against euthanasia don't have to perform it, but they should stand aside and let others do it.

Sabine Grant

Hi Winstonjen.... arguments were presented before in this same thread to demonstrate that there is concern among various groups as to the legalization of euthanasia. They do not all come from a rigid pro life stand based on religious ethics. They were presented by 3 people who are involved with health care. I think it is prudent again to not project anylonger the impression that the only reason why euthanasia has not been legalized in the US is because of pro lifers.

There are serious implications to that legalization. US law makers have to reflect on those implications to prevent any abusive use of euthanasia. They also have to balance the patients bill of rights with whom can make that critical decision for any mentaly incapacitated patient. And " who pulls the plug" for the mentaly incapacitated patient ? the relative who requested the measure of mercy for the loved one or do we deal with a simple medical procedure performed by a Health care worker?

Just so your little mad man relaxes some.....

scigirl

No I would not break the law - how many patients do you think I could help if the government took my doctor licence away? (I mean, in the future, after I actually get my licence?)

I would, however, campaign for the law to be changed, and encourage my patients to write their congressmen and that sort of thing.

scigirl

winstonjen

Hi. Sorry I took so long to respond, but I've been working for a while, so no time for long messages.

That is a good response, I think, but what is your view on the law as it stands? To me, it's basically symbolic - there are very few prosecutions and convictions - Kevorkian had to taunt the government before he got convicted. Basically, it wouldn't be too hard to get away with it.

Dr. Rick, what do you think about this?

case

I doubt that active euthanasia will become legal anytime soon, just like I doubt that suicide will become legal. Suicide is one of those issues that always seems to pull emotional strings in people when logic is what is needed.

I work in a crisis center, and take phone calls from people all night who are contemplating suicide, or have attempted it in the past, or, sometimes, just attempted it, and realize they made a very big mistake. Once in great while, they just go ahead and do it on the phone, though this has never personally happened to me.

On the other hand, I haven't had to deal with a situation regarding euthanasia. I imagine that I may yet with my father, but not for some time (I hope).

I would have to say, based on my personal experience, that, nine times out of ten, if someone is calling me, they really don't want to commit suicide. Most are depressed, distraught, confused, or are in some sort of emotional pain. Sometimes they are in physical pain. Some have diagnosed mental illnesses; others have never seen a psychiatrist. Most just want to talk, and want me to tell them that things will get better. For most people, this is true.

But what could I possibly say to someone dying of terminal cancer? Things will get better? Cheer up? Look on the bright side of your life? There is nothing that I could say to someone in that situation that I wouldn't, and they wouldn't, know wasn't a load of crap. For someone with terminal cancer, life is not really going to get any better. You might have good days, but inevitably, pain awaits you. I might be able to talk to them about depression, but other that that, I could think of no justifiable reason to stop them if they wished to end their existance. Because I know that if I were in the same situation, laws and regualations would mean nothing to me.

winstonjen

Suicide is legal, as far as I know, in most countries. What can they do after a failed attempt? Lock the person up?!?! That would most likely cause more suicidal tendencies.

And what can they do if the person succeeds? Not much, if anything.

case

Actually, in this country (USA), many states do just that. Michigan and California are two; Indiana varies depending on the situation. Most states have standardized 72 hour hospitalization procedures, and it is indeed considered illegal. Yes, it seems absurd, but so it goes. Mind you, I've not done an exhaustive study of punishments of failed suicide attempts, here or abroad, but I'm quite sure that many countries aren't as forgiving as Americans are.