Thought provoking show last night
Posted by Texans4Tofu on Mar 03, 2010 · Member since Dec 2009 · 63 posts
I watched a documentary on one man's journey through assisted suicide on a public broadcasting channel last night. I had never really thought much about it before, but it was so moving. He had ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease), and was going downhill fast. Rather than live that way, he decided to go to Europe and die on his own terms. I admire the decision, and wonder if I would have the courage to do the same type of thing if I were ever in that situation. Does anyone have any thoughts on this subject?
I would be curious if someone could tell me what the laws are regarding this subject, around the world. This is a very interesting subject, and I'd love to hear everyone's take on it.
Oh, I did a presentation about this as a senior in hs, but it was almost the end of the year, so I don't remember much. I'm all for the right to choose death. The major fear from the opponents of euthanasia is that if it becomes legal and accepted in the US, that when people get over a certain age doctors will just choose this FOR them. It's really not for that, nor is it for depressed adolescents who are suicidal. It's intended for the elderly and/or those with severely painful and debilitating illnesses.
I am really interested. I have a progressive neurological disease called Friedreich's Ataxia. Though I'm not considering this now, assisted suicide is something I could foresee for my long-term future. I want to see if I can find this program.
I think it's very important that people who live fulfilling lives should have the option to die with dignity, if they so choose. And if it can be done in a comfortable, clean environment where the trauma of the situation can be slightly lessened, I wish this could happen.
I don't mean to open any cans of worms here, but I kind of see this like I see the abortion issue (hisss, boo, I know), especially since I am female. I want the right to take care of and treat my body however I desire. Whether I ask my body to grow a child for 9 months or not is up to me, and if I have an illness, then I feel like I have the right to choose to die. Either can be done "at home" without professional help and possibly with dire consequences, or both can be done in a clinical environment with people who know what the hell they're doing. When it comes down to it, all we really have are these bodies, and we should be able to choose to do with them what we wish.
But that's just my take on it.
The abortion connection doesn't make sense to me because you're talking about two bodies and two lives. That's all I'll say about that can of worms. There's another thread about that. I respect everyone's opinion.
ALS is probably one of the most cruel diseases there is. I certainly can understand the desire to go out on one's own terms rather than die a slow death in which you slow become so paralyzed that your muscles can't breath for you, can't eat or drink because your throat is paralyzed. The patient's I've taken care of have also been in pain.
I also think that MDs, nurses, and the general public need to address dying with dignity and embrace hospice care, and knowing when to surrender to the invitable and die peacefully (with lots of good drugs) rather than continue on with futile care.
Of course when people try to discuss this issue we're labled "death squads", but the times they are a changing.
My generation, the baby boomers, will probably define this better for American society because we are now turning 65. I see more assisted suicides, and more hospice care, and less futile care. I hope.
I think though that if people knew that their death would be dignified and with comfort, less people would opt for suicide.
I found the documentary available for free online at the PBS website if anyone is interested.
http://video.pbs.org/video/1430431984/
I found the show very provocative and maybe even a bit unsettling, but I personally respect the individual's right to do what he/she wishes with his/her body. I was particularly moved by the emotional journey the family endured in this story, and it made me reflect on my own experiences with the passing of loved ones. I also found it interesting that the gentleman in the documentary was atheistic, and I wonder what the statistics are regarding the relgious affiliations of those who seek assisted suicide.
Of course when people try to discuss this issue we're labled "death squads", but the times they are a changing.
This was exactly what I was thinking when I read your thread. It's important to discuss this important issue and relay our wishes to our loved ones, but if the issue even comes up it's morbid and now someone is going to kill grandma. Ridiculous.
A beautiful movie about euthanasia is Mar Adentro (the sea inside). I highly recommend it.
A beautiful movie about euthanasia is Mar Adentro (the sea inside). I highly recommend it.
Added to instant queue. Will watch this weekend!
A beautiful movie about euthanasia is Mar Adentro (the sea inside). I highly recommend it.
Added to instant queue. Will watch this weekend!
Oh good! I should watch it again, actually. Then we can discuss :)