Hoping To See Dr. Kevorkian Tomorrow

[suecornish]

Peoples reaction to assisted death is partly based on how they, themselves, feel about death. I was told one time that excessive grieving is partially based on shame, undone acts of kindness, words not spoken, the deceased person's interaction with the living person. I spent several months watching my grandmother die from ministrokes. When she was in the hospital just prior to her passing she told me she wanted to go home. So, against the doctor's advice I took her home. We both knew she wanted to die at home. I found her dead. Even though it hurt - this was the woman that raised me, tended to my bumps and cuts, - I realized that she was no longer suffering. Would I have assisted hastening her death if she asked me - no, I don't think so even though I firmly believe that terminally ill patients should have the ability to terminate their lives instead of living hooked up to machines and generating enourmous medical bills that their family will have to pay. She was my mom and not in pain and I wanted her around as long as possible.

This is a decision that should be a person's right when they know they are terminal, in intense pain and concerned about their family.

Humans have been consumed by quantity of life and forget quaility of life.

 

[Tula_Montage]

I'm late on this subject, but I thought I ought to post as I have strong views on this subject.

I am currently training to be a nurse... I'm half way through my first year (only 3 1/2 more to go ahhh). I am prepared to face life and death situations everyday, and ultimatley have lives put into my hands. Thats a terrifing thought. Who the hell am I to walk onto a ward one day in the distant future and perhaps have multiple terminal patients lined up for euthanasia (if indeed it became a legal government controlled issue) and switch off their machines... I WOULD do it, but whether it's legal or not why should I have the right to do so?

I strongly agree with the point Jenn made earlier, we are all just a pawn in the game of life. Naturtally, mother earth always perfects the balance between life and dealth and I honestly believe that we are ripping the pish out of her kind generosity. Natural disasters happen for a reason, outbreaks of infection and famine happen for a reason.

I am not one to believe the world is coming to an end on 2012... for all we know the world as we know it could come to an end in an hours time or in another 7 million years time. Who really cares, we are all rotting and none of us are getting any younger. We are all going to die at some point. The only thing we truley have in life is our faith and spirituality. Material posessions, family, friends, corn snakes and all that crap mean nothing. They just make life that little bit more comfortable and pleasureable. So my point is, when the inevitable is approaching, why not let that person go in good faith they will be saved? They will no longer be able to enjoy the things in life that makes us comfortable. What if they have no next of kin? Why deny that person the right to chose to let go when they know its time instead of suffering a cruel or painful decline.

This is the only time I would agree with euthanasia:

Absolute sound mind capable of making that descision
Terminal illness with no quality of life

When you legalise something like euthanasia you need to have criteria. Would it be right to allow a person with sever manic depression to be euthanised - although they desperatley wanted it and attempted suicide every other week? I would say no...

 

[wade]

What I saw in that video was a very clever bit of editing. I think the actual interview was longer than what was shown, and the person doing the editing chose to show the bits where he (Kevorkian) was most agitated. Since I didn't see the whole thing I am unwilling to judge the man on this bit of footage. Yes he was agitated, I found it interesting though that most of the time we hear his answer but not the actual question. My guess is the reporter was kind of pushing his buttons a little. I still think the lecture would be interesting - Right or wrong, the man is definitely not afraid to say exactly what he thinks.

Jen, you're right, I spoke too soon. The media is well know to put their own slant on everything. I should not judge the man solely from what the media has chosen to show me.

 

[SnakeCreations]

I almost fell off my chair when I realized there was a conservative in my state. Someone left the gate open.:rofl:

Hahaha! Very funny Wade....

Peoples reaction to assisted death is partly based on how they, themselves, feel about death. I was told one time that excessive grieving is partially based on shame, undone acts of kindness, words not spoken, the deceased person's interaction with the living person. I spent several months watching my grandmother die from ministrokes. When she was in the hospital just prior to her passing she told me she wanted to go home. So, against the doctor's advice I took her home. We both knew she wanted to die at home. I found her dead. Even though it hurt - this was the woman that raised me, tended to my bumps and cuts, - I realized that she was no longer suffering. Would I have assisted hastening her death if she asked me - no, I don't think so even though I firmly believe that terminally ill patients should have the ability to terminate their lives instead of living hooked up to machines and generating enourmous medical bills that their family will have to pay. She was my mom and not in pain and I wanted her around as long as possible.

This is a decision that should be a person's right when they know they are terminal, in intense pain and concerned about their family.

Humans have been consumed by quantity of life and forget quaility of life.

Very well said!!!

I've had the opportunity to sit in on some ethics committiee meetings at a Pediatric Hospital I worked at when I was the Care Manager of the NICU. If we are going to set up assisted suicide, this would be the way to go. The committie was made up of volunteers, some with medical backround, some clergy, some social work - all coming together along with hospital staff to help families make one of the worst decisions they could possilby make in their lives. Needless to say, I was extremely impressed. The VERY last entitity that should be involved is the government. I think there will always need to be some measure of regulatory procedure, but the bulk of how something like this works, should be left in the hands of experts in the field. Like a freestanding facility.

Someone said something about a GP not giving information about prevention... something like that. To the GP's credit - he only has so much time to go over every little thing that a patient might bring up in an MD visit. That said, I'd be worried if my physician didn't, at the very least, make a referral to an educator or local classes or give the patient literature to take home. So call him up and let him know, ask for the information.

After all is said and done, I think we'd all do well to make sure our ducks are in a row. That we have advanced directives if we cannot speak for ourselves. I've always joked that my first tattoo is going to be DNR on my chest (Do Not Recussitate). Clear and concise communication with those that will make choices for us when we cannot is imperative. While I think some strides have been made in this field, I also think theres a long way to go.

Great posts everyone!

-Tonya

 

[jazzgeek]

GAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! Looks like I picked the wrong week to be in exile.

Of all the "non-herp" threads I've ever read on cornsnakes.com - and Lord knows I've created my share - this has been the MOST enjoyable to read.

EV-ER.

Given the "controversial" nature of the subject, it's extremely refreshing to see virtually everyone keeping a civil tone, debating the topic and not the person creating the post, and the expression of new points and ideas for everyone to consider.

I don't think I've ever doled out as many "reps" in a single thread.

And not a single.....no, I won't say it. If I do, someone will post one just to spite me.

Again........KUDOS, EVERYONE!! :cheers:

regards,
jazz