Death with dignity movement strengthens in California (2015, attorney)

[Tulemutt]

Death with dignity movement is alive and well in California - LA Times

"I thought long and hard about moving to the Portland area, but no. I love California and I'm a Californian, and I want to make something happen in this state," she said. "With a lot of us baby boomers, it's not just about the quantity of life, it's the quality. I don't want to just exist."

Personally, I don't get what's the challenge to committing suicide when the time seems to be right. Nothing easier. Easier than "Must Be 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover". There's a bazillion ways to die.

[shooting4life]

Was she worried about being arrested for breaking the law after she died?

[Tulemutt]

Heh. That's what I'm talkin about.

But in her case, really, it wasn't her going to off herself. It was her husband dying of terminal disease. If you read the article it mentions how loved ones left behind can be charged with the deed. And I know an attorney, actually two, who have mentioned this incidentally with me in conversations. If you know a spouse or family member you are living in any kind of sharing relationship with is suicidal and you don't act to prevent it in any specific time of crisis, you can be held for the death.

[FireFly2]

People should have the right to die when their quality of life is crap. Although there are plenty of ways to kill yourself, some people may be too weak or bed confined and may be unable to kill themselves. This is when a death with dignity law would be helpful as nobody wants a family member to go to jail just for helping someone die in peace.

[semispherical]

Originally Posted by FireFly2

People should have the right to die when their quality of life is crap.

IMO, people should have the right to die, period. The government should not be involved in anyone's decision to commit suicide.

[shooting4life]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

Heh. That's what I'm talkin about.

But in her case, really, it wasn't her going to off herself. It was her husband dying of terminal disease. If you read the article it mentions how loved ones left behind can be charged with the deed. And I know an attorney, actually two, who have mentioned this incidentally with me in conversations. If you know a spouse or family member you are living in any kind of sharing relationship with is suicidal and you don't act to prevent it in any specific time of crisis, you can be held for the death.

I really doubt people are getting charged with this.

But I do support the proposed law, people should be able to make decisions for themselves, sick or not.

[LoriBee62]

I agree with the previous posts on this, that the government should stay out of individual choices on what they do with their lives, including ending it.

But from what I understand the counter argument involves concerns with legalizing doctor-assisted suicide being abused and not being used as the law intended. I think the primary concern is family members, or others who stand to gain from a person's death, wrongfully influencing them to end their lives. Grandma is old and confused and I want her money. Lets talk her into the idea that this is the right way to go.

Seems to me doctor assisted suicide can be legalized while building in some safety factors. I mean, it's been legal in Oregon for a while now, and I haven't heard that folks are lining up to off their loved ones.

I confess, I don't follow the topic closely, though.

[PNW-type-gal]

You can see the actual stats from the State of Oregon on how many people use the prescription
Death with Dignity Act


Obviously this is only people who have jumped through the hoops required by the state (multiple doctors certifying 6 months of less of life, psychologist certifying the person isn't "just" depressed) and gotten the official state prescription. There are a lot of safeguards to prevent the idea that someone could be pressured into choosing the option. Note that 97% of people who use the prescription die at home (the rest are in hospice), so this isn't some care facility making the decision for an indigent patient.

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by shooting4life

I really doubt people are getting charged with this.

But I do support the proposed law, people should be able to make decisions for themselves, sick or not.

Read the article. People do get charged with murder for assisting others' deaths, including for not acting proactively to stop suicide. That's why this is a big deal. It's what my two attorney friends were talking about.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by Tulemutt

People do get charged with murder for assisting others' deaths, including for not acting proactively to stop suicide.

You're right, Mutt. I read an article recently about that.