Euthanasia

[jagwheels]

All animal lovers will share Rita's sadness over her loss. In my case it was on 4 different occasions when I had to take them to the vet on their final day. It did not get any easier, in fact it got worse & said I can't do this anymore so that part of our life is sadly missing. A difficult subject but would you like the choice of ending a family members life when they are suffering with no chance of recovery. I would like to think that I was brave enough to
help them die with dignity & then be prepared to face the law

[smudger]

No, can't agree Norv. The quality of life the animal enjoys and the relationship it develops with the human are, for me, worth the world. Sad if at the end of their life I have to witness their departure into the next world, whatever that may be, then I'll go on doing that and consider it an honour to my friend.

I wouldn't like to have to call the end of life for a relative, but feel it has merit in so many circumstances. I would like to think that if I had no quality of life then a relative or friend could call it for me, but can't see that happening, at least in my lifetime!

[ApusApus]

Not an easy subject to discuss but for me if the quality (or lack of) life is such that they are in permanent suffering and things will only get worse not better then euthanasia gets my vote!


Shane

[WHL]

Not a yes or no question, think of the relatives that stand to inherit money etc, would that swing their decision in favour.

[jagwheels]

I did say a difficult subject & one that has been discussed by politicians, doctors etc but the fact that one country allows this indicates they are taking this problem seriously. If one of my loved ones had a terminal illness which was causing severe pain & distress I hope I would have the courage to break the law as many have already done

[Cactuslil]

After recently watching a dear friend die a horrible painful death I am definitely in favour of euthanasia. We don’t let our animals suffer so why should we have to suffer when nothing more can be done.

[Maggie B]

Norv, I spent a good while today replying to Rita's post. . . . . . .And then deleted it. My reply was ALL about this very subject.

When you lose a loved one of the human kind, it is usually through natural causes, old age, accidents, illness etc etc. NEVER a choice you have to make. It's made for you.

When you lose a loved one of the animal kind, it is more often than not, a choice YOU have to make. In my opinion that makes it all the harder.

Hard decisions must be made for both animals and humans in this tricky life that we all lead, and I for one, believe euthanasia choices made by us mere mortals and for our beloved pals is the right way to go.

Hard an all as it may be.

Maggie B

[WHL]

We have a close relative in hospital, back in the UK, and the family were asked if they would agree to '' Do not resuscitate'' is that not one level down from euthanasia? the family agreed to this, to save their loved one any more suffering.

[Devil]

The last time I had a major operation, I gave DNR instructions to the anaesthetist, who accepted them without hesitation. There is no relationship between euthanasia and DNR. The former requires specific action by the person assisting the end, whereas DNR is entirely passive and lets nature take its course. Usually, when a person gives DNR instructions, their quality of life is already poor.

[Mark]

Great post Hudswell, thank you...

[jeba]

Not a yes or no question, think of the relatives that stand to inherit money etc, would that swing their decision in favour.

Maybe, but according to German law assisting in suicide is exempt from punishment specifically for relatives (§ 217 of the criminal code) but not e. g. for physicians. Which is a bit silly in my view as I´d rather want that kind of assistance given to me by someone who knows what they´re doing.

[jagwheels]

The last time I had a major operation, I gave DNR instructions to the anaesthetist, who accepted them without hesitation. There is no relationship between euthanasia and DNR. The former requires specific action by the person assisting the end, whereas DNR is entirely passive and lets nature take its course. Usually, when a person gives DNR instructions, their quality of life is already poor.

Devil perhaps I was thinking outside the box ie you could no longer even understand DNR.

[ApusApus]

jagwheels, I may be completely wrong here and correct me if I am, but I think you are talking about progressive degeneration where the person can no longer make decisions for themselves? Usually, these decisions are made before they get to this stage or at least the options are made available to the family so that a "choice" can be made!


Shane

[jagwheels]

Shane I thank you for entering the discussion but my thoughts are focussed more on those who are suffering extreme pain & distress. It's not going to be resolved here but hopefully some day someone may come up with a solution & from comments on the forum I am not alone

[ApusApus]

I agree and I think attitudes will change but unfortunately not soon enough for some …………… good luck!


Shane

[Mark]

Euthanasia exists now, look up "the Liverpool pathway"

[Dominic]

I think it is one of those laws where a Cypriot dose of common sense should be applied to British law, and the spirit, not the letter of the law should be adhered to. Have the law to protect the vulnerable but the common sense to apply it only when actually necessary.

[jeba]

I think it is one of those laws where a Cypriot dose of common sense should be applied

Isn´t euthanasia and even assisting in suizide illegal in Cyprus? I heard that even trying to commit suicide is so that if you survive it you may be prosecuted on top of your misery. Doesn´t sound like common sense to me.

[Dominic]

Jeba, you missed my point entirely. I have no knowledge of Cyprus' views on Euthanasia, or suicide for that matter. I would imagine, knowing the religious background, it is fairly conservative. I was referring to how they, and the rest of the EU apply other laws in general. The UK tends to follow the letter, whereas other countries follow the spirit.

[PW in Polemi]

After recently watching a dear friend die a horrible painful death I am definitely in favour of euthanasia. We don’t let our animals suffer so why should we have to suffer when nothing more can be done.

I agree wholeheartedly.

Last year I had to watch my beloved husband die painfully. He was on the maximum dose of morphine allowed and it wasn't enough. I pleaded with the medical staff for more but they explained they could not give more because it would probably cause organ failure, which would leave them open to prosecution for breaking their oath "to cause no harm". I offered to sign any paperwork they wanted in order to exonerate them, if only they would leave the morphine ampoule and needle so I could administer it. They wouldn't. Fortunately, my husband gave up the struggle less than 2 days after that.

I still cannot decide which is hardest, being stoic whilst fighting a terminal illness or being the one watching the fight.