Assisted dying

[Longcol]

2 minutes ago, Prettytom said:

I’m pretty sure that is what happened to my dad too.

 

And my grandfather in the early 70's dying of pneumoconiosis from working down the pit for 40 years or so.

[Al Bundy]

1 hour ago, Mister Gee said:

What country do you live in Westy?

Don't let it bother you Dave.

[hackey lad]

1 hour ago, Allen said:

I’ve always thought that happened to my wife.

She was under strong sedation and dying slowly with lung cancer.

If my thoughts are correct I thank the doctors. They saved my wife a lot of suffering.

If I’m wrong…I’m thankful for her quick death and lack of suffering.

 

I honestly believe this has been happening for years . 

[m williamson]

18 minutes ago, hackey lad said:

I honestly believe this has been happening for years . 

 

So do I, and it should have been that way, providing the doctor had a kind heart and knew there was no alternative other than an agonising death.

It wasn't unusual for patients dying a painful death to be provided with a button to allow them to administer morphine to alleviate the pain. Keep pressing the button would provide eternal relief.

 

This isn't a simple question,  those campaigning against it tend to be doing so on moralistic or religious grounds.  In my opinion they have no right to decide on behalf of others on  such a personal decision. They are entitled to their view but so are those who believe the opposite.

Having said which, I agree it is not an easy decision and needs an incredible amount of supervision to ensure it isn't abused and used for nefarious reasons.

But if someone is dying of MND for instance and being paralyzed gradually until they reach the point where they can do nothing and their lungs are gradually suffocating them I think a reasonable as possible ending is the kindest way.

We are all going to die. If we're lucky dying in our sleep or a quick heart attack is what we would all prefer. A lingering painful death with your loved ones having to go through the experience is not what most of us wish for.

[Anna B]

I think if people think the assisted dying law that was passed to the next stage gives them a clear choice to do what they want with their own life they are mistaken. It still requires the agreement of two doctors and a judge, a lenthy process and no doubt a hefty amount of paper work and debate. They also have to be within  6 months of a natural death, be of sound mind, and capable of administering the lethal dose to themselves, which is going to rule out a lot of people who might have reason to want it. 

 

Dementia sufferers for instance, those with cognitive brain conditions, and people with little control of their own limbs from paralisis etc.  In fact a lot of people who are very ill, which rather fails to address the issues, if anything it could make it worse as doctors may no longer feel they no longer dare act in the patients best interest as inferred in previous posts. 

 

All this bill does is over complicate the obvious, and depends on other people approving your personal choice, taking time and probably more expense.

IMO Improving palliative care, with more hospices, kindness and common sense is what is required, but I fear won't happen, so the suffering will continue, falling between the two stools...   

 

 

[spilldig]

11 hours ago, Prettytom said:

I’ve enjoyed watching the debate unfold. It was good to see our elected representatives actually considering the best option and taking their vote seriously. A huge step up from the usual whipped debates. Our democracy needs more of this.

 

As for assisted dying, I’m not really sure what to think. Instinctively, I’m in favour, but I’ve just spent my summer caring for a young man who finally succumbed to his illness a few weeks ago.

 

That has really given me pause for thought. The lad in question was begging to die for weeks before he actually did. But, we also had some great times in those last few weeks, which wouldn’t have happened if he’d been allowed to kill himself. Every second seemed to be precious. I also realised that I would have been unable to help him to die. That really would have been a step too far for me.

 

Its a really tough decision. I am pleased that our politicians gave it proper consideration. I hope that they’ve made the correct choice.

They didn't give it proper consideration though.  If they had they should have had a referendum.

[spilldig]

13 hours ago, MJ01 said:

Clearly it won't 

Never heard of Mission creep?   Clearly it might.

[Guest]

10 minutes ago, spilldig said:

They didn't give it proper consideration though.  If they had they should have had a referendum.

And the referendum would've gone totally wrong, Brexit anyone?

 

 

[Prettytom]

10 minutes ago, spilldig said:

They didn't give it proper consideration though.  If they had they should have had a referendum.

I don’t agree. We elect representatives to take important decisions on our behalf. I’m delighted with the way that our MPs have gone about this particular task. 

 

In my opinion, referenda are to be avoided at all costs. People vote without thinking and they cause huge divisions. See Brexit for further details.

[MJ01]

12 minutes ago, spilldig said:

Never heard of Mission creep?   Clearly it might.

It won't