Should assisted euthanasia be legal?

Don't know what the law is in America, but here in UK (and most EU countries, assisted euthanasia of humans is illegal. But should it be?

Yesterday I saw a feature on TV about a woman with a progressive terminal illness who decided to end her life before she lost total quality of it. She went to a place called Dignitas, who offer an assisted suicide service - in Switzerland, where it is legal.

http://www.dignitas.ch/we/Referat_Giessen.htm

She ended her life by drinking a barbiturates mixture which killed her within 30 minutes, sending her into a deep sleep first. Her family were there with her and the whole procedure was filmed for the Swiss government as part of the legislation requirement.

What do you all think of this? I can see both sides, for - a dignified death when the person chooses, rather than wasting away getting worse and worse, being able to say all your goodbyes and finalise your time on earth and generally having a sense of control. Against - individuals "playing God", could be open to abuse, and may leave other sufferers of terminal illnesses feeling worthless.

 

I think that provided we can find written evidence that the euthanasia was the will of the person who is being helped to die - ie. it is certainly not a murder - then it should be permissible, but then we always do have to remember that, to make something of enormous weight like that legal can almost send a positive message that the law condones it. I know that's not what you mean, but that is how new law can be interpreted: we are always still talking about death, and it is a subject rife with heated opinions from religious groups and many others. Still, the law concerning suicide was much more stringent a hundred or so years ago (which I feel is comparable) - and the law's definition of what constitutes 'life' and 'loss of life' in situations of coma etc has been forced to radically alter to move with medical science - so in UK law I'd say that perhaps we will continue to see shifts in this area. It will probably never be made legal, per se, but there are plenty of cases where what is effectively euthanasia by medical authorities or individuals has been 'overlooked' or 'distinguished' by courts who make a distinction between 'making people die' and 'not helping people to live' - a clever distinction because the criminal law only punishes individual omissions in a select number of circumstances.

Good subject to bring up though, always interesting to me.

 

I think that if they can choose to switch off life support machines, or not resuscitate the seriously ill, then in certain circumstances euthanasia should be allowed.

The family of this woman seemed pleased that they were able to say goodbye and that she didn't suffer or loose all dignity. However, I think it's a shame that she had to fly to another country to do it, rather than in the comfort of her own own home. And possibly sooner than she would have wished, as she needed to be well enough to travel.

Although not the same, I had to put my beloved dog of 14 years down last year. It was 5 days before I found out I was pregnant - so what an emotional week! It was the hardest decision I've ever made and I still feel guilty about it and sometimes have mini nightmares.

 

If they have a living will then yes. My grandmother who suffered from cancer had a living will. So when she slipped into a coma they pulled the plug. And if I ever become at risk for coma's,diseases,etc I would want them to pull the plug if I slip into a coma.

 

There is a difference between letting someone die, such as switching off life support machines and refusing medical assistance etc, and actively helping someone die by giving them a lethal dose of medication - although the outcome is the same.

It's a morbid subject I know, but an important one. I hope I die with dignity, I don't want excess suffering or for my family to see me like that.

 

Its illegal in the US also. We had a whole big thing about it with the Terri Schiavo fiasco. Neo-cons and christians coming out the woodwork talking about Euphanasia is wrong. Even trying to tell the governor the national guard should send troops to take her out of the hospital. In the end all they could do it turn off her life support machines. So they pretty much had to starve her to death because they couldn't poison her or anything.