Physician-assisted suicide and religion (church, euthanasia, quote, Catholic)

[nezlie]

The issue of physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill, competent people who choose that option for taking their life when they are near the end is being mentioned as a position favored by one of the candidates running for governor of our state. The laws that now make it legal in three states - Oregon, Washington and Vermont - are commonly known as the Death With Dignity laws. In a couple of posts on some of these forums, I have read comments by some posters who describe some rather nasty "steps" that they would take to end their lives if they suddenly found themselves to be terminally ill and suffering. Based on what they suggest, they would certainly leave a huge mess for others to clean up after them. A doctor assisted method is a much cleaner and more humane way to go. It is no different than what we do with our dear pets when they are terminally ill and suffering. We take them to the vet to be put down in a gentle, peaceful manner.

I once talked to a religious Catholic person who shuddered at the thought and remarked, "Euthanasia? Np way. No, no, no. The church doesn't condone that." I didn't pursue it any further at the time. I also talked to a professional care-provider about these laws at a time when she was taking care of a dear relative who suffered greatly in her last months of life. The care-provider said she was against the idea because she thought that a person could be influenced to make a "really bad decision by other family members who may not have the best interests of the patient at heart." Let's just say that I wasn't convinced by that response.

So from a religious and non-religious standpoint, what are your thoughts on this issue?

Heather R. Mizeur offers support for physician-assisted suicide - baltimoresun.com

[nateswift]

The standard religious response I hear is that it is taking the power of life and death out of God's hands, though many who say that support the death penalty....go figure. A question I have is whether a person who believes that should not go against the stated wishes of a person who does not want to be revived in case of death under conditions that revival is possible, after all, God provided the means for revival and they should be used to see if God really wants that person to stay alive to suffer; He would not allow revival if that were the case, no?

[trobesmom]

As I stated on another similar post, we have assisted BIRTHS all the time. Shouldn't we leave those in the hands of "God" too? What's the difference? Isn't that taking things into our own hands???

[TroutDude]

If in the last stages of a terminal disease, wracked with pain and causing suffering for those who love me, I'd be pleased to be eased out of this world with a doctor's help.

[Woodrow LI]

Originally Posted by TroutDude

If in the last stages of a terminal disease, wracked with pain and causing suffering for those who love me, I'd be pleased to be eased out of this world with a doctor's help.

While I don't think I would make the same choice, I can understand why some would.

I personally believe it is forbidden. But, not everyone believes the same as I do.

I only desire that every person makes every choice in their life with knowledge and of their own free-will.

[nateswift]

Originally Posted by Woodrow LI

While I don't think I would make the same choice, I can understand why some would.

I personally believe it is forbidden. But, not everyone believes the same as I do.

I only desire that every person makes every choice in their life with knowledge and of their own free-will.

And choice is the point. Why should a religious perception require compliance from the non-religious? Yes, safeguards against abuse need to be placed, but the choice should be individual.

[Pleroo]

Originally Posted by nateswift

And choice is the point. Why should a religious perception require compliance from the non-religious? Yes, safeguards against abuse need to be placed, but the choice should be individual.

That's really my only concern, and truth be told, I don't trust that enough safeguards could or would be put in place to prevent abuse.

[AnywhereElse]

Originally Posted by Woodrow LI

While I don't think I would make the same choice, I can understand why some would.

I personally believe it is forbidden. But, not everyone believes the same as I do.

I only desire that every person makes every choice in their life with knowledge and of their own free-will.

The above response sums up my thoughts also. There isn't much more to say except that giving the option will make some people feel the need to end their life for the convenience, peace and financial well being of family members and no one should end up in that situation, an obligation to die.

[nezlie]

Pphysician-assisted suicide is legal in only three states. Is it because of religious beliefs that there aren't more? It's hard to imagine that southern states would ever vote for legalization.

[Woodrow LI]

Originally Posted by AnywhereElse

The above response sums up my thoughts also. There isn't much more to say except that giving the option will make some people feel the need to end their life for the convenience, peace and financial well being of family members and no one should end up in that situation, an obligation to die.

Your last part "no one should end up in that situation, an obligation to die." the legalization of physician assisted suicide could lead to that.



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