Sabine Grant

bonjour Winstonjen!
I think some pro lifers are into the defense of life because they want to prevent any abusive use of euthanasia. There are not all hypocritical individuals who want to see others suffer.
I know that it is a concern I have to insure that any legislation which warrants euthanasia for the terminaly ill does not result in being used against the terminaly ill who desire to live until their natural death.
I posted earlier existing measures which warrant the right to die for certain patients ( living wills which expresses the desire to not be placed on life support for example or DNR orders).
The case of the Florida woman in Clearwater is an example of how touchy the subject of euthanasia is. The battle still rages between her hubby and her parents but nobody knows really what she personaly wants as of today.We can assume she'd rather be taken off the G tube and die.. but it is also fair to assume that she would want to live on.
In her case it all comes down to physicians evaluating her quality of life and her husband claiming she would not want to live that way... but how do we know for sure. Do you think her parents who want to keep her alive desire for her to suffer? I cannot believe that.
So it will be bounced around thru various appeals to delay the G tube withdrawal ( which the court granted a delay past Jan 3d).
Unless the patient has a living will with the specifics of their wishes, any decision regarding a patient who is mentaly incapacitated, has to be made on heresay and medical evaluations. Can you imagine how that can be abused?
So I do not believe that all pro lifers are hypocrits who want to see others suffer.
There are many more implications to euthanasia than you realize.
The patient's bill of rights has to be protected one way or the other.

Dr Rick

I agree with you, Sabine, unbelievable as that may seem.

I personally favor allowing euthanasia for those that are suffering and wish to end their pain with dignity, but I am mindful that it is a potent tool that could be corrupted and abused without proper safeguards.

I would add that one can be pro-choice and still be opposed to euthanasia.

<strong> I agree, again, and would add that we must also ensure that euthanasia is not used to rid society of "undesirables" such as the severely retarded.

<strong> I think you're correct here, too; wow, do you suppose the devil's wearing ice skates right about now?

Rick

Shadownought

There is definitely the potential for abuse where euthanasia is concerned. People who argue against it on that grounds DO have a point, and any legislation involving euthanasia is going to have to take that into consideration.

My problem is with people who want it outlawed because "it's a crime against God" or some such. Religious convictions like that have no business being put in the law books. If the person can't make a case for outlawing euthanasia from a secular point of view, then they have no case.

[ December 23, 2002: Message edited by: Shadownought ]</p>

Hugo Holbling

<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/2603709.stm" target="_blank">Relevant news story.</a>

Mad Kally

Could someone tell me where all these terminal patients are who want to end their lives?

Kally RN, home health hospice nurse.

Sabine Grant

Hello Kally !
Good question....I am still new in Home Health but I must say that none of my terminal patients seem to want to die. My ALS is even more determined to enjoy life despite of all the new habits he had to get his body used to.
I do not doubt that terminal patients who experience great physical sufferings are looking forward to peace somehow. I have just not been exposed to them yet.

Mad Kally

That's right Sabine. There is a stage called "acceptance", and with all the new pain medications there is no longer a need for people to experience horrible pain and suffering.

This reminds me of seeing the internet horror stories about girls being victimized by creepy men. But you won't see on TV all the happy internet marriages and friends. I guess normal people are just not newsworthy.

Notice the big smiles when they see you drive up? Sometimes they call me an angel.

Kally

Mad Kally

I think I believe in miracles! Sabine and Rick and I agree on something!

excreationist

Aren't a lot of those medications very expensive to people in the U.S.?

Mad Kally

Not when hospice takes over. They must have a diagnosis of six months or less to live. Even people on welfare get everything paid for by the government. It's sad in a way that if many patients aren't terminal they are shit out of luck.

I work for an association that is backed by the United Way. Many patients are cared for for free.