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Euthanasia

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Euthanasia is the act of intentionally causing the painless death of a sick person. In terms of a physician's actions, it can be passive in that a physician plays no direct role in the death of the person or it can be active in that the physician does something directly to cause the death. Now the question:

Do you think it is right for a physician to refuse to participate in active euthanasia?

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If you have an answer (or another question), click HERE and e-mail me a response.

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Yes, a physician should have the right to refuse to participate in active euthanasia. I think physicians should not be involved in active euthanasia. A physician takes an oath to promote the patient's health and welfare above all else and to uphold the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. To participate in active euthanasia violates the oath and principles he/she has vowed to uphold. This would lead me to question his integrity and trustworthiness in other health related matters.

It is NEVER right for a physician or any one else to deliberately hasten a person's death. This includes all forms of euthanasia-active and passive. To deliberately withhold food/fluids is to subject the person to a painful death-it is NOT a humane death. We are not in a position to determine the worth of a life. Every person has a soul-it is up to God to determine when he will take that soul from the shell that is the human body. We all have a duty to support life with ordinary means-food/fluids but we are not required to use extrordinary means-aggressive life support,dialysis,etc indefinitely.

Right now I don't have a good attitude about anyone who talks about dignity and quality of life. My Mother recently passed away from cancer. Yes, she was terminal, but she wanted "to fight the cancer with all of her might, and until the end" were her words. She wanted to die a natural death without any help from Dr's and their drugs. I found that the "one" famous drug that Dr's love to use is "morphine". My Mom slipped into a coma just beofre her death, as all people I think do? But the Dr's were growing weary of how long her death was taking. They kept insisting that they give her "just a little bit of morphine to ease the pain and make her comfortable" Why on earth would my Mom need morphine if she was in a coma? There is no way she could have felt any pain, and how much more comfortable can One get than to be in a coma?

Finally, the hospital's Attorney and Vice President of the hospital came in and yelled at our family just a few days beofre my Mom's death. They told us that we were irrational and my Mom needed a " Advocate" to protect her rights.. The board of Ethics called us on the day she died and by making this call, Noone was in the room when she passed. The Dr's forced us into a decision of withdrawing life support, therefore practicing , "Euthanasia" We wanted our Mom to die at her will...when her body gave out, not when the Dr's decided it was time for her to go.

My last words to people who talk about quality of life ought to be a shame of themselves for even viewing an Elderly person by how much she/he accomplishes in a day. Even if all my Mother could do was simply sit in a chair and look out the window, maybe needed help with eating ...etc...this was quality enough for me. As we all become older we will find our quality of life dimishes. So I ask you, "should someone take your life to be lacking with dignity and quality where they take it upon themselves to have you killed?" simply because they don't find your life to be worthwhile any longer? God says that quality of life is not judged by how old or sick you are...He makes the decision, not the Dr's. People need to take a good long look at their own lives and realize that one fine day they will be old and sickly. Dr's do not care..they would rather end your life than help you. And it is simply due to money. the older one is, the more medical attention one needs, more tax dollars at work. The government and the Dr's work

together..they call this "population control". I have seen many elderly fall ill and once they have seen the Dr. and put in the hospital, they may as well say good-bye. The Dr's of today just as soon kill you. The old wives tale of helping your neighbor are long gone, now it is power and money. Here in MT, we have a saying that goes like this, "You may be safer seeing the Veternarian, than going to the Dr." Quite a few people die over a simple surgery ..makes you wonder if you can trust the health care system any longer?

I haven't quite decided if it is safe to see my own Dr. any longer after what I have seen take place in these hospitals here in Montana.? Euthanasia is practiced whether you want to believe it or not..by even your own Dr.

I think that any doctor should absolutely have the right to deny committing euthanasia. If they are against it or not comfortable with it why should they be forced to do it? However, I think if a patient is expecting to do badly that they should check into whether or not their doctor will go through with euthanasia before they start seeing them. No one is being forced to be euthanized. It is a personal choice. And for all of you who argue that it is wrong because God is the only one who can take lives, perhaps God is trying to take those people in the hospital who are being kept alive by machinery and medicines. Perhaps doctors are going against God's wishes by keeping the, alive. Ever think of that. We are not killing people, we are letting God have them. We are ending their pain and beginning their eternal life. It's a personal choice and it should be legal just like smoking, drinking and going to church.

O.K. now, euthanasia (I think) is a type of suicide, whether or not you are sick. Physicians absolutley have the choice of NOT participating, in fact it should not be legal!!! Now if you put someone to death who was sick, or heck they dont even have to be sick, but you would look at your self everyday and be reminded of it. i bet you would feel like a murderer. If people want to die they can commit suicide in their own homes, makin someone else do it is not going to make it any better morally. Euthanasia is a sad, sad deal, please try to stop it.

I believe if the person wants to die to end their life they should have the right to choose.I do not believe that the person should beable to have themselves killed if they're not really suffering. Yes the person does have the right to kill him or herself. BUt the authourity stands in the way of that. If this is such a free country why can't anyone participate in EUTHANASIA?

hi, im a grade 12 canadian student and im on the pros side of a debate whether or not euthanasia should be legallized. i believe that if a person is going to die or live a life that they cannot handle why does society have the right to say that they cant be euthanized. isnt that up to the doctor and the patient involved. i personally would rather die than live months of extreme pain. if the person is in sound mind shouldnt they have the choice whether they live or die.

Someone said that Euthanasia weakens the society`s respect for the sanctity of life and I absolutely agree with this. People who are for Euthanasia I think are for it because of moral and physical pain. May be sometimes it`s better to suffer longer, no one knows what`ll happen future, perhaps there will be a chance to cure a incurable disease according to the latest medical researches and developments in genetic engineering. When its time to die you'll die there's no stopping it. So make the best of that year, day , hour! You may touch someone else's life. Not giving up, may give others courage. I also think that accepting euthanasia accepts that someone lives are worth less than others!! I think that we should pay more attention to improvement of people health and life, and not about better ways of killing people.(it`ll cost more money perhaps). I think that live and health of each person is the most expensive thing that our mankind has. We have only one life and no one is gonna give us another one. You may certainly say: Exactly!!! So we shouldn`t spend our life on suffering, that`s why I believe that we should definitely legalize euthanasia to make our life and the life of our loved relatives comfortable. I ll answer: So what is life than, why don`t we just ease our lives and legalize compulsory abortion. As Buddha said: All our life is suffering . And what about the Hippocratic Oath ("I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect."), it`s a classical example, which shows us that euthanasia is wrong!!! Doesn`t Euthanasia give too much power to doctors?? I think it`s our right to choose death or life! I definitely don`t think that we should just watch our affected relatives dying, we must do our best and bear down, to circle them with an aid and give them courage to leave this life worthily. Don`t you think that euthanasia will just increase the amount of self-murderers in the world? Isn`t it wrong? If we legalized Euthanasia, people would be able to commit suicide without fear of breaking the law. Eventually it`ll lead to involuntary euthanasia and killing the people who are thought undesirable. Some people can also seek profit from euthanasia thus bluffing or bamming the law. Think about the words legal death. Where do we draw the line? Do we stop at terminally ill patients? or do we end the suffering of mentally handicapped people ? What about the elderely? Aren't they just a burden to society? Although this isn't absolutely my view, I'm sure it is the view of others. "IS DEATH MORE DIGNIFIED THAN LIFE?" FIGHT FOR LIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Answer me if you both agree or disagree with me on this issue, I'll reply with pleasure. Sergey PUTIN.

Doctors should have the same rights as anyone to refuse to participate in anything they do not belive in. No one should be forced by law or convention to do what they believe to be wrong.

A doctor has the right to choose.Choosing not to actively participate in ending someone's life is not refusing to participate in ending it. Unless of course someone is holding a gun at the doctor's head. Harold A. Maio

If we have the right (at least in the U.S) to do whatever we want to with our lives, whether it be rich and famous or an alcoholic crack head, why is it that we can not decide when our life should end? It is ours, if we can kill the life that grows inside us, we should be allowed to also destroy the life that harbors others. Especially if that person is in pain and requests that some end their suffering. I don't think you can allow one law with out the either. A life is a life, right?

I think a person has the right to leave this world with dignity and self respect. After saying that i am a mother of two and i would hate for my children to have to make the decision wether or not to put me out of my misery. In an ideal world you should be able to go to a solicitor while your of sound mind and body and have it drawn up like a will what you want to happen, if ever you cannot take care of your self or your terminaly ill and in excrusiating pain. I don't think anybody could critisise a physician for not assisting with the ending of a life, after all there trained to save lives, but i'm almost sure not all physicians think the same.

I know that it's a very individual thing to answer, and that most people who are considering the act of euthanasia as a way out of suffering often change their minds... naturally. However: I know that my grandfather would had taken the oppertunity if he, as a Dane, had gotten it. He didn't because it is illegal in Denmark, but it would have been so much better for him and us (his family and friends) if we hadn't had to see him suffer... In the last month or two he "lived" in, he couldn't do anything... he had chosen not to. He had chosen to take his own life, but seeing that he didn't have the means to do so, it took him a much larger amount of time and pain than necessary. Therefore I think that euthanasia is a good way out... but there has to be certain rules/restriction..

Yes, I think that it is right. If someone you cared about was suffering why would you let it go on?

Hi, I am a 26 yr old college student in my first year Social Services. I believe a patient and/or their family should be the only ones to decide if Euthanasia is the right way to go. The government, church and everyone agents it should keep there opinions to themselves. It is up to the individual and the family, mostly the individual. What happened to the right to choose. We are Candians, we have that freedom!

Allan.M.

I think that a doctor has the right to do go along with their morals. If they think euthanasia is morally wrong then they shouldn't do it but they should suggest a doctor who could do it because it is the patients right or the patients family's right to decide to do it or not.

I am currently writing a paper on this topic and this site has really helped me put all the issues of euthanasia into perspective. The conclusion I have come up with is that it is the choice of the terminally ill individual who is to chose what happens to his/her own life. Although there may be families and individuals who think otherwise, for no reason shall a doctor prevent the inner happiness of a ill person who is asking for their help. looking at the situation at hand the physician should be able to determine whether this person has any minimal chance of survival and if they do not, what reason does the physician have not to help the ill individual.

I think that it is up to the individual whatever their circumstances or health issues are. I think by dying this way you leave with dignity and actually know when your going to die. you've then got the chance to arrange your funeral and to say good-bye to your loved ones. sometimes people are just sick of living and that they feel they have achieved what they wanted to in life. why do you have to wait until 70 plus to die,with a terminal illness. but yet if you mention this to your doctor how your feeling. they automatically say oh!! your depressed. this way is 100% better than just going out and committing suicide and dying alone.and then the family having to live with the guilt of your death. kind regards, stella cullen.

Hello again. I hope you don't mind a second reply, but this topic is very interesting to me.

First of all, I did not answer the main question. Of course a doctor should have the right to refuse to participate. What I don't understand is why most doctors simply ask another doctor to treat the patient. It seems to me that they have no real ethical problem with the procedure, and they approve of the act, but they would feel guilty about performing it themselves.

Next, I would like to reply to sanjeevij@yahoo.com and the letter on May 4th. It refers to the slippery slope fallacy. It can also be applied to pain relief medication, such as morphine and diamorphine (heroin). In England, pro-lifers tried to pass a law prohibiting the use of lethal does of pain relief to stop 'double-effect' euthanasia. That proves that so-called pro-lifers are actually pro-suffering. If we let them control our lives in that regard, what's next? Forced conversion to their cause under threat of death?

Sincerely, Winston

sanjeeviBrunei. There are two things Man is after ..one is to produce life by cloning and the other is to reduce life by whatever options available. Both these rights do not belong to him despite all the convincing arguments. Pain and suffering are part of life however extreme the case may be and the cure is not termination of life. What cannot be cured must be endured is the old saying. Ofcourse I am not the sufferer and I don't have the pain and I don't need to have the pain of knowing others' suffering. Let us imagine Euthanasia is legalised worldwide and I am sure the medical practioners if not all of them would make it an attractive proposal to all those terminally ill or chronic patients and it will not stop there. It is the most bizarre violation of nature and since violation has become fashionable these days it is not surprising many nations will follow the example of the Netherlands. Euthanasia is ethically wrong.

When I was about 13 years old, our family cat, Domino, was diagnosed with chronic bladder infections. He would never recover and constantly be in pain. We had him put to sleep. When I was 16 or 17, my Grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctors went in and removed what they could and then she went through harsh radiation and chemotherapy. After a few months it went into remission. Then it came back, not only to her breasts but to her bones and lungs. She silently suffered for months until they found it. She quickly deteriorated and soon her quality (if that's what it's called) of life was minimal to non-existent. She was put into the hospital and we were called. We were told she wouldn't make it through the night. The doctors pumped 2-liter bottles full of fluid from her lungs every four hours. Every time she took a breath, she moaned in severe pain and she cried. I have never seen her cry in my life, and she cried. She was a strong woman, but this was too much for her. Somehow she made it through the night and sadly suffered for 3 more months. She was so doped up on medication that she saw toast on walls, and saw old friends on playgrounds. She told us daily that she was waiting for the bus to take her to Heaven. Everyday she asked us to help her, help keep the pain away. There was nothing we could do. It broke my heart to see her, and I'm sad to say that I didn't visit nearly often enough. The last time I saw her, as I left, I told her I loved her and that I'd see her later. Her response was,"I love you too and no you won't. You won't see me later. Good bye." I found out on my 18th birthday that she had passed that morning. Now, every year, as I celebrate my life, I celebrate her death. The worst part of all is knowing that as she asked for my help I had to deny her. It sickens me to think that people can be this selfish. They are so attached to whatever it is that drives them that they can't let go and let someone leave this world in peace. We can end the suffering of our pets, but we can't do a damn thing to help our people. It's screwed up, folks. I watched my Grandma suffer for months and with her suffering, came the suffering of my Grandpa, father, mother, aunt, uncle, etc. If she could have had it her way, she would have had her life ended as to reduce the suffering for everyone. She wouldn't have done it to end her suffering but to end the suffering of all of her loved ones. She was the most unselfish person I've ever met and I miss her everyday. I know for a fact that if it would have been legal, she would have done it in a heartbeat. Maybe because I've seen it happen first hand, I'm for Euthanasia and Physician- Assisted suicide. I just hope that it doesn't take everyone in the world to see it first hand to understand that it needs to be legalized. Doctors have a responsibility to their patients, but at the same time are responsible for their moral grounds. If they can't participate, I think they should be required to suggest a doctor that can.

I will put this as simply as possible. It is my life, my body, and my choice. Not that I agree with this arguments application to other types of life altering events (such as abortion), I feel that is a whole different scenario. And one in which people are using that argument to perpetuate, and even justify the killing of another because it suits them. What is this irrational sense of control we feel we must exert over our fellow man. Must we do whatever we can to hold him/her under our feet? As far as the Hippocratic oath, the cardinal rule is to do NO harm. Physicians are healers, not killers. And although veterinarians have taken it upon themselves to humanely destroy animals with little or no chance of survival, I feel giving our physicians that responsibility will give them, or feed into the illusion of power, or "GOD complex" some of them already have. Do I feel they should be consulted? I am ok with that. They possess knowledge that most people do not. Morally, I could not justify a doctor, or anyone else killing someone unless the person was mentally unsound, and even that is a broad interpretation. I think it is solely up to the individual. We are not them. We cannot feel their pain. We do not know what they are going through at that particular moment, and we should just honor what they may choose to do by allowing them to exercise their ultimate "free choice", and let them end their life. John Adleman, Psychology, philosophy, and social work undergraduate

Everyone has the right of choice as to what they will or will not do. Why would a doctor be different? On the other hand, wouldn't that also be the same for someone who is in constant agony.

I beleive that the question that is being asked is "Is euthanasia legally and ethically justifiable?". I find it hard to come to a strict answer on this, being a law student and not beleiving in God. However, I thought I would contribute some important points towards this site to generate some open thought:

Is there a right to die?

When deciphering whether a right to die is legally recognised it can be seen that UK law stands a little hazy. Suicide and attempted suicide are no longer criminal offences. The doctrine of consent recognised throughout the common law holds that a mentally competent person may refuse medical treatment or prolongation of life if he or she so wishes. Yet the law still forbids active voluntary euthanasia. The existence, or not, of a right to die is based on deeply held legal, ethical and religious convictions.

Ethical Considerations

The sanctity of life vs autonomy. Autonomy refers to an individual's ability to come to his or her own decisions and requires others to respect the choices patients make concerning their own lives, or in this case, deaths. It is after all the patient's life, and who better to decide when it should come to an end than the person whose life it is? In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the sanctity of life is founded on the notion that life is a gift over which we have stewardship but no final control. They defend the concept on the grounds that life itself is of divine origin and is, therefore, outwith human disposal. This seems to undermine the principle of autonomy as a moral justification for choosing to end one's own life. It is not the person who may makes the choice, but the "greater being". From this it follows that any intentional act to end life - which interferes with the will of God - is morally wrong. But there is constant interference with the will of God in contemporary hospitals with advanced technology. For instance, ventilating a patient in a permanent vegetative state (PVS) who has stopped breathing and otherwise would be dead is permitted, and not seen as interference in the eyes of their religion.

Dignity

It argued that a person should have a right to die based on the concept of human dignity. If a person is capable of autonomous judgement and is now the victim of a severely debilitating illness, the choice of death could be an act respecting the dignity due to any rational human. He claimed that the most important consideration for the community is to honour the desire to be in charge of one's life and the dying process.

Suicide

As mentioned above, legalising suicide has without doubt created a legal right to die. It gives the person total control over when they wish to cease living. However when regarding euthanasia the law is reluctant to legislate. What is the difference? The main aspect is that euthanasia involves a third party, and it is argued that it is this party that the law seeks to protect. It may be seen that the law is therefore discriminating between a severely disabled person, who has the same wishes to end her life, but can not physically carry out the administration, and the person who is able to commit suicide without fear of breaking the law.

I hope that these few points have made you think.

It must also be considered that allowing doctors to euthanase patients at their request, may be in the patient's best interets, BUT is it the best interests of the community at large who will possibly start to view doctors as killers, rather than curers and healers?

I believe that a doctor has the right to stand by what his moral decision is. Of course, all doctors won't have the same moral fiber, some will have no problem participating in euthanasia, and some will have a problem with it. Euthanasia, by definition, is not murder. A person should, at the end stage of life, still have the power to decide how they want to live and die, as long as they can competently make such a decision. I believe the decision to die should however be reviewed by the courts before it is allowed. If I were such a patient, I would rather die with dignity than live, against my wishes, in shame, pain, or sorrow; especially when the end is imminent. A person of sound mind should be allowed to make this decision for themselves, and if a doctor has no problem assisting, actively (for pain control), or passively, I believe it should be allowed. Quality of life should be as high a priority to the medical practioners as it is to a patient.

I believe that an interesting viewpoint on the topic of euthanasia is that of the classical philosophers and physicians. One of the greatest debates in the study of classical medical ethics is whether or not the Hippocratic Oath totally prohibits the practice of euthanasia in its statement, "I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect." It should be noted that the Hippocratic Oath was in some ways, a minority view and atypical of the beliefs of classical physicians, for upon further study, one will quickly realize that the practice of euthanasia, literally "good death" was openly practiced in ancient times.

It was not until the rise of Christianity in the 4th Century A.D. that opposition to suicide and “physician assisted suicide”, or euthanasia became a majority view. This presents the question of what ancient people found particularly appealing about the idea of euthanasia, especially when a citizen became a burden on those around him. With the advent of drugs like hemlock which offered the opportunity for quick, easy, bloodless death for the untreatable or terminally ill patient, doctors were able to offer their patients an end to suffering; that of voluntary euthanasia. In ancient times, voluntary euthanasia connoted a concern for the human state of mind, and genuine concern to end a patient's suffering, thus the term good death.

The Hippocratic Oath possibly included the prohibition of euthanasia to prevent medicophobia by the society in which physicians practiced, as well as to deter claims of medical wrongdoing or homicide. Other ancient philosophers however, had different reasons for their disdain for euthanasia. For example, Pythagoras expressly prohibited the premature end to any embodied soul, thus euthanasia was a religious crime. For Pythagoras, it was a direct violation of an individual’s duty to his god to prematurely end one’s life, thus not only euthanasia, but all forms of suicide were distinctly prohibited. Plato’s views on euthanasia are sometimes contradictory, depending on which work is being discussed. Nonetheless, in The Republic, Plato views the welfare of the state as greater than any individual's welfare. Thus, as evidenced in The Republic, Plato believed that terminally ill or untreatable individuals are expendable, if euthanasia will end their suffering and unburden the state. Later works, such as Laws promote quite a different view of suicide, but it is this view presented in The Republic which presents Plato's opinion of the morality of euthanasia in the ideal state.

Using this classical knowledge as background information, I do not believe that doctors should openly participate in active euthanasia. I believe that Pythagoras’ view of the premature end to life is true even in contemporary medicine, thus I believe that it is wrong for a doctor to prematurely end a patient’s life, even if the active euthanasia would be voluntary. If a patient has a standing Do Not Resuscitate order, then the doctor does have to obey his patient’s wishes, however I believe that this passive action is the only acceptable means of end of life care.

Edward Barnes, College Student

This question is an issue that has been a dilemma since the beginnings of medicine and the contemplation of medical ethics. Is has been debated since the time of Hippocrates, and as this is a question being asked here, has obviously not had a satisfactory conclusion.

Euthanasia, whether passive or active, leads to the termination of a life at the request or direction of the dying individual. The practice of killing oneself through the removal of life’s necessities or using drugs is a very old tradition. People in ancient Greece could refuse to be treated by physicians, or remove basic life necessities like food, and allow themselves to die. They could also go to a doctor to request things, such as Hemlock, to remove themselves from this world from issues like kidney stones. Naturally, doctors didn’t particularly want to participate in the sort of activity, as it is damaging to any physician’s reputation, which is all the ancient doctor had going for himself. There is also the question of the Hippocratic oath, saying the doctor will not give a poison, or suggest that course of action, to any patient. Whether or not this is a promise to not commit Euthanasia, a literalist viewpoint held by Edelstein, or a promise to the head of household not to poison his family, as believed by Murray, is a mystery. However, it is generally believed it is a prevention of physician-assisted suicide or active Euthanasia. Although this form of suicide/death was not considered to be a morally upstanding tradition, as stated by Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle (Carrick- Medical Ethics in the Ancient World pg. 150-160) it was a solution that was reached by many people.

The ancient moral abhorrence is still holds true today, seen through physician-assisted suicide being legal only in Oregon in the United States, while passive euthanasia is permissible only with a living will. It is an issue that must be dealt with on an individual level, and in many cases, has to do with a terminal disease that is extremely painful to the patient. Euthanasia should be legal and available if it is relieving the suffering from an incurable, painful affliction. However, should doctors be required to participate in active euthanasia, such as giving overdoses of morphine to terminal cancer patients, or set up systems, like Dr. Kavorkian, that allow the patient the means to commit suicide? No, there should be no requirement for them to do that. Many people believe suicide to be wrong, and parallel euthanasia with murder. It is again, something that must be decided on an individual level, allowing each practitioner to live to his or her own standards and ethical values. However, when considering the wants and needs of the patient, the doctor should refer the patient to another practitioner who might be more compliant with their wishes.

This is in response to your question on your website, "Does a physician have the right to refuse active euthanasia?"

A physician has every right to refuse active euthanasia if he or she does not feel right about participating in the act, for whatever reason. I am not alluding to the idea that euthanasia itself should be condemned, but every person has the right to make their own decisions in situations that would directly involve them. It is true that in our society today we are given many freedoms that allow us to make decisions to personally suit each of us. A physician is no exception and also has the choice to deny assisting in the death of a patient, disregarding any circumstances the patient may be facing. The physician can choose to make a reference or give alternatives, but in the end, he or she should not be reprimanded for opting to avoid active euthanasia. The physician’s ultimate job is to help his or her patients medically, and he or she can decide whether or not euthanasia would benefit the patient. I agree that in scenarios in which people have terminal illnesses, it might be better for them to be put out of their misery than continue on in life, but no one ought to feel obligated to assist in taking away a life, seeing how many believe that our lives have been graciously given to us. This conflict can be dated back to ancient times, where different philosophical groups such as the Pythagoreans held their own opinions towards euthanasia. Pythagoreans opposed all forms of euthanasia, including active. They felt that it was man’s greatest moral duty to obey the commands of God, including the command prohibiting anyone to take their own existence. There was a respect for life and of the human species as a whole. Not every follower of Pythagoras followed these rules as stringently as they were presented, but there is no doubt that the concept of this belief has been carried on into modern times. The controversy of euthanasia is as big an ethical issue today as it was in the ancient times, and each person has the right to decide where he or she stands on such an issue, even physicians

I believe that the doctor has the right to refuse to perform euthanasia. This is an ethical decision that each person must consider individually, including physicians. I personally think we have always been more humane to our animals than our humans. When our pets get old and worn out or terminally ill and in pain, we take them to the vet and "put them to sleep", and everyone thinks this is a good thing. What do we do when mama gets old and worn out? WE decide, NOT mama, that we want everything done to save her. Do we think about her suffering and dignity? Probably not, we are just selfish enough as humans that we don't want to lose mama, even though she is not really with us anyway. I don't consider euthanasia murder, I feel it is allowing a person to die with dignity before that decision is taken away from them either by family, the courts or illness. Whether or not a doctor wants to participate is his decision, but I think he should be willing to refer a patient to another doctor who is willing to allow one to die with dignity.

I can't say whether it is right to help a suffering person die or not; but I will say that if we invoke the commandment "thou shalt not kill" in this case then we must apply the commandment to war and the death penalty as well. And I see very few people doing this.

Cathie

The Dr. can refuse the "suicide." He can refer another physician. I believe it is "our right" to choose death or life. It is very important to have a "living will" for such cases and to discuss the issues with family members as to "what should happen in the case of....." More hospitals are requiring that you have a living will and a power of attorney for such cases. Not all states agree with the assisted suicide. But I hope that in the future it will not be a "issue" and we will be able to do what we wish. Physicians to not nor anyone else in the health profession need to assist if they wish not too. Just as the "abortion act" no one has to take part in it. Liesel :)

OK i'm a 16 year old agnostic, so i think it's fair for me to ask what is meant by "thou shalt not kill"? If it means in don't kill anything in general...well people eat meat don't they. You can't really use that to back up an anti-euthanasia argument, if you have a good reason it should come from the heart. there will be times when euthanasia would be wrong and times when it is truly the right thing to do and we have no right to decide without knowledge of the persons suffering.

I believe that those who hide against their belief in God, are scared of any moral conflict. True, while it does state as a commandment that 'thou shalt not kill.' However it also states, in another one of the commandments that thou shalt love thy neighbour. If your neighbour was sick of a life destroying disease then would you defy your god by not offering to assist your neighbor in the only noble way of ending their life, true it will in its actions defy the no killing notion, however jesus also taught us to treat others as we would ourselves expect to be treated. I put it to you the anti-euthanasia lobbyists to respect your fellow human beings enough to end their suffering when no other means present themselves. I am a christian, and I am also a euthanasia supporter, does this make me any less human?

Matt Bottomley

good morning, with the greatest respect, if a person is in a position suffering long term disease, or prolonged pain, and quality of life is non existent, remembering that loved ones , our subjected to the experiences of trauma relating to illnesses. personally i condone suffering , but if doctors had powers to terminate life, perhaps considered on the person circumstances, whynot!!!!!!!!!!

Only recently after recieving my last assessment piece for modern history did I even begin to consider what Euthanasia is, the good and the bad. Although I have only just begun my indepth research on the topic, I have slowing been reaching my own thoughts and feelings on the topic. I think that physicians do have the right to refuse to participate in active euthanasia. They are humans too, and are entitled to live their own moral and spiritual ideals. The prospect of persuing in active euthanasia could quite possibly leave one scared with the knowledge that they gave the 'OK' to end anothers life. I am not at all a Christian, but I do believe that we were not put on this earth to play God in deciding who has the right to live or die. We are here to live. Yet whilst death is apart of life, to knowingly take away someones life, whether they gave permission for such an act or not is going beyond our duties as human beings. I understand when people may say that euthanasia is the only solution to terminal illnesses, and that it is the best thing. But if these people were meant to die at that stage in their lives, then God would be at work doing His thing. All in all, participating in euthanasia whether voluntary or not, is an act that is very contraversial no matter what way it is looked at and will most likely not come to a close any time soon. However, in the meantime, if a free rein was given to perform this action, what would inevitably happen to the human moral? Life is a gift, don't waste it.

I think that it is the doctor's own choice. if they dont feel comfortable taking someone's life...for whatever reason, that is up to them. I do however think that euthanasia should be legal, for many reasons.

Hi! This is a contribution to your website.

It's a touchy subject, but here are my views. I'm definitely for it. If they are suffering with no hope of a cure, they would thank you for ending their pain. Those who oppose euthanasia haven't experienced the pain, so they can't judge it for themselves. They don't care about the poor patient, they just want to appear morally correct by opposing it. People who oppose it need to be GIVEN a terminal illness. It sounds cold and harsh, but I'm not trying to flame. The ones that oppose it have NO IDEA what it is like to be in a terrible condition with no hope of recovery. They would most likely change their mind. Keeping the terminally ill alive against their wishes is nothing short of torture. Don't we have laws against that? Also, 'freedom' comes from the words 'free' and 'doom'. Laws against UNassisted suicide are meaningless, because if they succeed, they are beyond the reach of the law.

There's also evidence of Euthanasia in the Bible. Jesus only hung on the cross for three hours, and then died. It usually takes much longer to die from crucifixion. The Romans stabbed him because 'they were surprised he had died so soon'.

There was an Australian Senator who opposed organ transplants (he said that if someone had a heart attack, that was God saying they should be dead). Then HE himself had a heart attack and needed a transplant. He said that God wanted him to have a transplant. Well, why him and not so many others?

What a hypocrite! The people that oppose euthanasia need to be put in similar pain to those that desire it. Otherwise, they can't understand the pain and shouldn't judge those that want euthanasia. Also, the opponents of it aren't going to be affected by it (they're not the ones dying), so why complain? I think they are a bunch of bigots (no offense to anyone here - everyone here tends to have good opinions and good reasons).

Also, check out www.nancycrick.com

From the main page of that site:

My name is Nancy Crick. I'm 70 years of age and have been suffering from bowel cancer for three years. To say my quality of life has deteriorated is a gross understatement.

I have gone from being an active, vital, healthy woman (I had no symptoms on diagnosis) to a 27kg shell. I've lost almost all of my teeth, energy and, most importantly, the will and desire to live.

Most of my day - and night - is spent leaning over the toilet bowl dealing with chronic vomiting and diarrhoea. I am also in almost constant pain.

I can no longer leave the security of my home because of the vomiting and diarrhoea, and have had to cancel most of my medical appointments for this reason. Would you wish to have me in your car? My energy level is so low that it is as much as I can manage to venture as far as the letter box. On occasions I have made that distance, but have not been able to make the return journey before collapsing.

I require medication to sleep, but am often too tired to allow myself the luxury of sleeping as I lose control of my bladder when asleep, and also am not aware if my colostomy bag fills and overflows.

Imagine if you had to wake up in a wet bed, covered in your own faeces; it's not dignified, comfortable nor compatible with a relaxed start to a new day.

Through all this I am still at home, managing my household and cooking as best I can, sometimes forcing myself over the limit and paying the price. I have some help with stoma management, and am lucky in that I have friends who visit.

Other than visitors, the phone and television, I am cut off from the world, a world I fully embraced before this befell me. I am a prisoner in my own home. If family and friends cannot come to me or phone, I am alone with my pain. I cannot go to them.

As the pain and indignity worsen, I am frightened of the future. Not the future as others envision it: my future - becoming so weak I am unable to leave my bed to clean myself up; being unable to reach my pain medication; having the pain become so unbearable I lose my mind. The only future I have to look forward to.

This type of future would not be visited on a pet or farm animal. Compassionate vets will not let this happen; they gently euthanase our animals. Why then is it so unreasonable to expect compassionate doctors to do the same for human beings? Yours sincerely Nancy Crick

Another issue is that some people don't know what euthanasia is. One person said, "Euthanasia isn't murder, is it? OK, how about if I euthanise you when you're asleep in bed?" That guy is foolish. That isn't even euthanasia. Euthanasia requires consent, awareness and probably a legal signature.

About a month ago, Nancy Crick took a lethal cocktail of drugs to end her suffering. The pro-lifers want to prosecute the 21 witnesses who were with her to give her comfort (she didn't want to die alone). The pro-lifers also accuse the voluntary euthanasia advocates of manipulating her into commiting suicide. They use the evidence that Nancy did not have cancer when she died. Even so, she was suffering from the consequences of cancer and the treatment. She was a 27kg shell when she died. The pro-lifers make me sick.

I believe that anti-euthanasia = pro-torture. Take the example of Diane Pretty, a British woman with Motor Neurone Disease. She choked to death painfully over a week because the law did not allow her husband to assist her with her suicide. She was paralysed from the neck down and was helpless.

What are your thoughts on the issue? Sorry if this is a bit long. Sincerely,

Winston

Let’s consider this. You have a dog that you have taken care of for 15 years. Let's call him Sparky. Sparky is a part of your family. You have watched Sparky grow. He is your best friend as well as your kids' best friend, and you love him. Over time Sparky has become very ill and very sore. He moans and wimpers with every step he takes. At this point he hurts too much to even wag his tail. So, you decide that it is time to put Sparky to sleep. You don't want to see him in pain, because you love him. Now, my question to you is, do we love our pets more than we love our people? If not, then why are we insistant that our loved ones suffer, while we can put our pets out of their pain. I don't know. Maybe it’s all a question of letting go. It’s easier to let go of a pet than it is a parent. I work in a hospital and I have seen what happens to people when they want to die, but their families won’t let go. And let me tell you, there is nothing as sad.

Yes! I believe that all physicians should have that right to refuse to assist with euthanasia. But I do think that each should look inside their own belief system and values and ask the question, if that was my parent would I want that for them. Also in the code of ethics, we all are to do no harm to the patient, but are we doing harm to them by completing their wish to end the suffering? I believe that it should come down to informed consent of the patient and family involved. I believe it should be between the patient and his family for the final decision. But if the physician is unable to assist in the patients wish I think it would be in the best interest for the phyisican to find someone who is able. Thanks Ella Abela

I believe that euthanasia is wrong. People that do not believe in God can not understand this. They are sometimes very bitter and consider our beliefs self- righteous and selfish. This is because they do not understand our reasons and so try and find their own reasons for our beliefs.

I am not a selfish or self righteous person, I am only following God's commandments and the first one is thou shall not kill. I am sure that God did not make these commandments for us to follow only in the easiest of times, they were made for tough times, when it is hard to distinguish between right and wrong. So how can we be called self righteous, those people that want to play God and make decisions on whether a human should live or not are the self righteous ones.

Where will it all stop! Where will people draw the line. I draw mine on God's commandments.

Yes. I think is the doctors choice on what he wants to do. Just like is the choice of the person with the terminal illness to want to put him self out of suffering.

I believe that if a person is on life-support, and that the only thing that is keeping them alive is a machine, that they have the choice of whether they want to be kept on that life support or not.

16 year old CA

We go through life for 40, 50,60,70 or more years and we do not for the most part know what it that we do that will shorten our lives or make our lives worse than what it should be. If we smoke cigarettes all of our lives, there is plenty of information out there to be looked at for us to see that smoking is harmful to our health and it will shorten our lives. if we opt to die or have some one KILL us that is just a cheap shot to get out of life or it is just the cowards way out.God told us that we are not to kill. Who was this commandment meant for? was it only for the healthy or was it for all of mankind?

Wally Hess

I feel that many doctors out there perform abortions, many believe in it. Just the same. Doctors can either perform euthanasia or not. I use to work in a nursing home for many years but had to leave because it was too depressing. there was this man in his 70s who had had a stroke at one time. ever since i worked at this home, he had lived there. the stroke left him bound to a wheelchair. he could not move his head, arms or legs. he couldn't talk or even smile. he couldn't tell you if he was in pain or if he needed to go to the bathroom. every day he sat in this same chair. we had to use a lift to pick him up out of bed, tell me how scary that was for him, he can't. he would wet his pants and sit in them until someone had the time to change in, and quite frankly when someone needs to be lifted out of bed mechanically, try to find someone to do it. Feeding him was always a joy. His mouth was so contracted he couldn't open it. They would literally pry it open with a spoon and feed him. It was like he didn't want to eat. He had no family who came to visit, he just sat there day after day. I use to wonder when I looked at him if he was even in there. I swear heaven already took him and his body was left to die. What a way. Now if you think that euthanasia is wrong how can we make this gentleman not suffer? Drug him up? That's always everyone's answer. how can you say you wont end up like the man, what if you cant talk to even say you want to be euthanized its really sad. A doctor should be able to make the decision. If there is no quality of life left, what is there?

I believe it is the right of an individual who is terminally ill to decide if they want to continue on with their life. When man was created he was given the free will to make his or her own decisions. And I have read many things stating its murder and a sin, isn't it more of a sin to watch someone suffer!

I agree that yes maybe their will be those who abuse the right to die and kill those who are not terminally ill or even mentally sick individuals who feel they have nothing to live for. For those two reasons alone some policies and limitations should be set to prevent abuse of the right to die. It is easy for all of us to speak out and cast stones of what is morally right or wrong. And it is much easier for individuals to judge what they do not know or have experienced.

V.L

I am in a Philosophy class, and we are having a discussion on this right now. I feel that it is up to the person if they want to die. if the person has no quality of life, and no hopes of recovery, then it is up to them to decide what to do. It is also up to the Doctor if he wants to assist this person. There is nothing set in stone as to how and why it is done.

Hi. I'm a grade 11 student in a school near Ottawa Ontario. I take law, and presently we're working on a debate on the topic of euthanasia. Our topic was 'Should it be legalized in Canada'. When asked to pick sides, I automatically chose not to defend this statement. Sure, it's easy to say that someone should have control over their death, and have the choice to die or not. But I really don't think that should be the case at all. We don't choose when we want to be brought into this world, why should we choose when to leave? It's the same as abortion, who are we to decide the fate of somebody else's soul? And what about involuntary euthanasia, when someone is so ill that they can't tell us whether or not they actually want to die, should doctors still have the right to kill somebody even with the family's approval? I really don't think so, we were not put on this earth to judge other people's life, and it's not our responsibility. And how can we tell if someone really wants to die? Is it up to us to even judge that? No. Life is a gift, and we don't know what ot's like to be terminally ill, people like that might love their lives, and they might find joy in the most simple things, we don't know what anyone is really thinking. I was reading something you wrote on your website, and that encouraged me to write to you and tell you my opinion on the whole issue. I was also wondering if you think that it should be legalized in Canada. Thanks for your time

Now the question is, do you think it is right for a physician to refuse the choice of euthanasia to an ill patient? or in other words, should eithanasia be permitted? in the first 2 storied that i told you, if euthanaisa would have been legal and permitted, then both victims would not have had to go though the pain that they did. especially Mary Jackson, the mother who placed the pillow over her own sons head to save him from the suffering on Huntingtons disease. can you even picture that? she not only lost her son in that situation, but she went through the horror of helping that happen. Euthanaisa should be a choice for anyone and everyone who wants it. its not murder and its not the case of stealing a life. its a choice. a person wanting to end their life this bad, must be pretty misrable. and if we can end that misery then why not. we should respect how they feel, and give them the oppertunity of euthanaisa.

To make it as clear as possible for everyone, let me tell it to you this way. picture this, you have an incurable disease that causes you endless trauma and suffering. everyday, all you can do is sit, and watch the people around you live their lives to the fullest because they are not sick like you are. you dont even cry anymore, whats the use? its not going to help speed recovery. and in some cases there is no recovery. you have no energy, none, whatso ever. you lay in bed all day, and all night. you do nothing and your life, to you, is worth nothing. now let me ask you this, would you wanna live that life? well there is millions of people in this world that do. wouldnt you rather go onto a better place where there would be no misery or agony. where life would be simple and easy. a place that some of certain beliefs like to call heaven. in order to get to this " place" a choice needs to be made. a choice of life or death. the choice of euthanaisa. euthanasia is " the act or practice of a life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition, as by lethal injection or the suspension or extrodinary medical treatment.

I personally have volunteered at a Convalesint Center for the elderly, off and on, for a little while now. During the times i visited, i came across many ill people, whether it be a type of disease or severe disability. It is horrible some of the things that happen there. People begin, or have already begun to deteriorate either physical or mentally, to where all they want to do is die. As you can imagine this is a serious decision, but would you rather have a nice peaceful death, or a horrible death. When a person dies in not a very nice way, it is very hard to remember that person whether you are related to that person or not. Death is not always a quick process like some may think. It could take weeks, months, or in some cases years. It's not only the person dying/ill you have to consider it is those around them, imagine the effects that this could have. I believe that euthanasia should be available to those who choose to die for a more peaceful death or as a way out of their life if they are miserable. For those people who are against euthanasia , just remember when you next get a headache or break a bone, and are reaching for those Advil to relieve the pain, if you times that pain by perhaps fifty, and not take any mediction, that just might give you a small idea of the pain that people go though everyday. The reason i added the part about not taking the medication is because there are many people who cannot be helped through medicine. They just have to deal with the pain.

EUTHANASIA SHOULD BE LEGAL! AND IF YOU STILL DONT THINK IT SHOULD BE THEN I HOPE THAT ONE DAY YOUR DIAGNOSED WITH A HORRIBLE DISEASE AND WANT TO DIE AND YOU CANT BECAUSE EUTHANASIA IS ILLEGAL EVERYWHERE BECAUSE YEARS BEFORE CLOSESMINDED IGNORANT PEOPLE LIKE YOU WERE AGAINST IT! Ashley Saville 15 USA

I think that anyone are free to lose thier lives..Not to other people..If we prevent the euthanacia that is called murder you are a murderer!!!!We are all wrong...

rodz.stevan iii..phil...

I am currently a university student, one of the topics i am concentrating on is Euthanasia. The approach which i have been given to look at is "Right to Die". My opinion is strongly for euthanasia. I have worked at a Resedential home for the elderly for just over three years (part time). During this time i have come across many ill people, whether it be a type of disease or severe disability. Obviously there are differant stages of the particular illness the person may have. However, when people begin to deteriorate either physical or mentally, to the stage when they tell people they do not want to live any longer. As you can imagine this is a serious decision, but they would rather die a nice death than in pain. Being a carer myself i have seen numerous people who have died a horrible death, not a nice way to remember that person whether you are related to that person or not. Death is not always a quick process, i have seen many who have suffered for weeks. It's not only the person dying/ill you have to consider it is those around them, imagine the effects that this could have.

I believe that euthanasia should be available to those who choose to die for a more peaceful death or as a way out of their life if they are miserable, due to perhaps a physical disability. For those people who are against euthanasia i suggest you remember your opinion when you possibly witness a family member dying who is in pain, or perhaps yourself. Just remember when you next get a headache and are reaching for those paracetamols to relieve the pain, if you times that pain by perhaps fifty, it could possibly give you some idea as to what those people go through, then again maybe not i wouldn't know i am not in that situation but i have witnessed it, more than once. In my eyes euthanasia is a huge painkiller that stops the pain forever for all concerned. Doctors give the choice in intensive care units whether to keep a person alive on a life support machine. They switch it off when the decision is made by the family. Don't you think it's a very similar situation.

I THINK IT IS RIGHT FOR A PHYSICIAN TO REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE EUTHANASIA IF THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH IT, BUT AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THIS SUBJECT FOR MY 8TH GRADE LANGUAGE CLASS I LEARNED 18% OF PHYSICIAN WOULD ASSIST A PERSON IN ACTIVE EUTHANASIA IF IT WAS LEGAL, AND 6% OF THOSE PHYSICIAN SURVEYED ALREADY HAD ASSISTED A PERSON WITH ACTIVE EUTHANASIA BUT I DO BELIEVE IT IS RIGHT FOR PEOPLE TO USE EUTHANASIA, BECAUSE INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY WHICH IS STATED IN THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

I have to do a debate on "mercy killing" and I was nominated to go against it... I've never even heard of it before! I just found out though, that one of my really good friends, her step-dad is dying of cancer and has only like 4 months to live. She also has a baby which, if they kill him because he 'doesn't have much time to live, or he's just suffering', her baby will never get to know her dad. We were talking about death and stuff the other day, and I truly believe that doctors and stuff have cures, but it's just like a population control type thing. Micheal Jordan, he's the famous athlete that had AIDS and for some odd, reason, he seamed to get completely cured! He did have the money to spear, and he's a 'popular' person, so why let him die? It totally makes sense though... I do believe however, that God is in untimate control over when you come into this world, and when you leave. If my family believe in Euthanasia, several of my immediate family members wouldn't be here... *That's a scary thought!* I think we've let doctors and medicine become too much of a depdent upon it/them. Well, tahnks for hearing me out! Just think before you agree. we aren't cats, we only have one life... :-) en

i think that people should think hard about the facts of Euthanasia. many people suffer everyday from diseases that they are dying from. what hope do these people have? people who have a faith believe that they will be taken to be with God when it is right and that they cannot determine when they are going to die and live through the pain as God has intended. But what about the people who have no faith? they are not living for anything. they are slowly falling into a world where they are only mind and no body. If mind is all that is left then what use is it that, that person has to suffer there last few weeks, months, years in a state whereby they cannot communicate and have no dignity left.

It has always been a matter of opinion and always will be because so many people will never have to suffer what many people suffer. You may say that stress can bring you down, the flu can drain you, But try having a disease whereby every day you wake up and feel nothing, everyday you wake up not being able to tell anyone how you feel or that you love them. To people who live this it is like reaching hell early.

If only the world could be still for 10 minutes and experience what these people go through then maybe one day the world will see that besides religion and a matter of opinion, these people are being kept alive because you want them to be, regardless of the suffering.

So spare a moment for the people who have to suffer because someone won't let them go to a happier place and won't let them be free of the everyday pains of life.

Experiencing it is bad enough but understanding it is what we need to do.

I think it is right for physicians to refuse to kill a patient. A phycician who is willing to kii someone is like commiting murder.

I think that people should have the right to die.You own your body and should be able to decide what you want to do with it.Especially if it does not function properly why suffer?The person that helps them die,is only doing what thier friend or family member e.t.c whishes.And therefore should not be punished.If you had a disease where you needed assitance to eat,drink,dress,go to the toilet,live.Would being stripped of your dignity bother you.I think it would.Could you cope with the immense pain.

I strongly feel that God does not want his children to suffer extensive pain. It would be very hard for a doctor to witness on-going suffering from his or her patients and not want to put them out of their misery. Although some patients with fatal, agonizing diseases recover, most aren't that lucky. Most, unfortunately die, a slow painful death. Doctors who perform "mercy killings" are only trying to stop the patients suffering. In their hearts they are doing the right thing.

How is it possible 2 judge other in that way? People say that euthinasia is wrong and that under no circumstance should it be allowed. i ask you this: if your mother/father/sister/brother or indeed yourself we're found to have a terminal disease, like cancer or aids, would you really want to live with the pain and suffering that is to follow. The pain and suffering is not just to yourself, the pain that your family and friends must suffer due to the state you are in. i watch a relative in pain all day everyday, not as bad as cancer or aids, but i know how i feel watching her lying there! if she ever got to the state like that and asked to be let go then i would stand by her whole heartedly. it isn't you who should make that choice, nor i, but them!

I think that the physician should not deny euthanasia. If the paitent is suffering then the physician should perform the operation and let the paitent die without suffering. if the patient chooses to die the physician should allow the patient his/her rights. i dont noe what i am talkin bout but i think that a person should be allowed to choose weather he/she lives or dies. The doctor shouldn't keep the person alive and suffering just because they dont want to perform that services then they should tell the person that they dont feel right performing those services and let the paitent chosse someone that will. i will send another letter later

If Euthanasia was o.k. How would you feel as the physician? Would you be able to do these mercy killings as you so called it? Or would you get a conscious? Would you finally wonder when its your time to go when you face your maker if He would feel the same way you did? How would you explain your actions? Oh gee I felt I had the right to take away your beautiful creation. I personally feel Who ever, Or what ever you believe in put us here for a reason. I say live and try to find your reason for being here. Who ever made creation put an awful lot of thought into making us. Why would He want to make us suffer more than we had to. Unless there was something left for us to do. When its time to die you'll die there's no stopping it. So make the best of that year, day , hour! You may touch someone else's life. Not giving up, may give others courage. Fight to live.

While it should be decided on a case by case basis, euthanasia can be an act of mercy and generosity. When the patient's pain surpasses his/her coping ability; euthanasia should be given serious consideration. However, Euthanasia should never be discussed before the patient has clearly indicated an urgent interest of his thinking.

Thanks, Herbert allen Horner, Jr.

I found your website while I was looking for some facts about euthanasia for my oral communications class in college. I figured that it was a pretty hot topic and from reading some of the emails that people have sent, I think I was right. I have always been brought up knowing about God and I do know that euthanasia would be wrong. My mother once sat by her father-in-law's hospital bed and silently prayed for God to take him away and out of his misery. Within a few minutes, God had taken him away. Honestly, that is how everyone should go. But I have to say that if you are in such unbearable pain that you really do not want to go on with your life and if you are in your right mind, it's your decision. Besides, if we are Christians and we judge someone that does such a thing as euthanasia, we become judged by God.

Thanks, Crystal

To quote a misdirected person; "I am devout Roman Catholic and I believe that only GOD all mighty has the right to choose when one dies, no human CAN CHOOSE TO DIE." Then why do we have the option to CHOOSE TO LIVE through medicine that can sustain life beyond the inevitable. Is this our gift from your GOD? Suffer more! Doctors for years have been assisting suicides. We need a board of authorities that can review each individual case and determine what is fair. I have done forensic work for the Kevorkian case that convicted Jack. Everyone involved with the case agrees that he has the right idea. Just the wrong approach. Maybe he is trying to give attention to something that needs a closer look and some open minds to look at this problem. Your outlook will change when you are presented with this problem. I have AIDS and want to choose when, where and how. There will be a point when I become a burden. Will you pay my surviving family the expense? Then shut your damn mouth. Don't tell me how to live my live through you stupid religious beliefs. I am not telling you how to live your life through my religious belief. What I do doesn't affect your life so SHUT UP IDIOT!! And do not use the State to enforce laws that have a religious bases. Is america stupid enough to accept your religious believe as law? Remember the separation of church and state! Did you forget??

I believe that euthenasia is wrong. Taking a pill or having an injection is just like shooting yourself in the head, only the pill or injection is prettier, because there is no blood.

As creator, God alone knows with certainty whether a disease or injury is incurable. If a loved one is suffering, the best you can do is pray to the Lord and say," You know Lord, So and So is really in a lot of pain right now, and I hate to see them suffer. Lord, please take So and So home to be with you or help them to recover. And Lord, please help me to coap with this."

If you truely believe in the God and have faith in him, he will always pull you through.

AMEN!

i think killing a person even if they want you to is wrong.They are sick they dont really know if they want to die.Put that on your website.

By, Rebecca Pepper

I have a chronic incurable desease which seriously reduces my abilility to have a life and would my breathing to stop as well as all the rest of my functions, and am willing to pay for the ability to receive a painless death. Reply online to this notice boards starting with the in Response to only solution

It is my strong belief that Euthanasia is illegal for one reason, money! If you look at how much hospitals and drug companys profit from a "sick" patient, you would understand their position. In the pharmicutial field a "sick or unhealthy" patient is considered a client and you do not put clients to sleep. How ever, the insurance companies are pro euthanasia and lobby for active and in some cases even aggressive euthanasia. So if you want to look at the core of this debate then look no further than the bottom line.

My dictionary says- Euthasia is MURDER pure murder and nothing but MURDER. It is not mercy killing it is not kind it is a way by which one gets A- rid of an unwanted person B-Wills made faster. I am devout Roman Chatolic and I believe that only GOD all mighty has the right to choose when one dies, no human CAN CHOOSE TO DIE.

I think the person has the right to chose. If the person is so ill they cannot make that decision for themselves, then the nearest of kin should be asked to make that decision as they have to suffer as well.

Richard Kidd

sure, If a physician dosent want to kill some one, or themself. Why should they be forced to do anything that they don't feel comfortable with. I do however, think euthinasia is a crime, and those who successfully kill themselves should be tried as murders. HA!

Really now, who wants live forever. I belive that sooner or later we all give up and die. Rather than was the time, money, grief, and pain, just die quick..... and for all you religous fanitics... If god wants you to stay alive, I think he would let you know.

It depends, I think if someone is dying and is never going to get any better, I think its fair someone should choose Euthanasia. It depends on the circumstances

There are 2,562 gods around the blue ball we call earth, each god is generally specific to a particular group of individuals in a particular area... The problem with killing people who are in great pain is that other people who are not in great pain beleive that they have the right to tell them they have to suffer. To all those people who would want me to suffer rather than commit suicide I just have one thing to say, " I wish you could bear my pain for 10 minutes, then see what you thought..."

Euthenasia...morally right or wrong? I'm a stubborn yet open-minded Christian, and when I read all the horrible accounts of the ill and/or dying who have been forced to continue in a life that's hardly that, I feel such greif. Suffering in any form is tragic, and it tears us up to see it. Yet, at the same time, all life, even hard life, is a precious gift that's been lent to us for a while. It's not ours, and we don't have to privilage to say when we recieve or take life, even our own. We alll go through stuff that makes us wonder if we can handle it, but, God be praised, He gives us the srength to survive...literally and he expects us to use well the gifts he gives us.

I do think a physician has a right to refuse to participate in having an active role but converseley it is a persons ultiminate decision to deceide to terminate and if a compassionate caring physician has evaluated the person and agrees then the state should not interfere in this decision. This is a persons ultimate freedom. Of course safe guards should be put in place so no one is terminated for simple decision. Do you know what the current laws are in Oregon on this most delicate issue ( euthanasia ). How does one find a doctor who is willing to assist. I live in Vermont and deal with daily chronic intractable pain and am looking for help. Please inform as to its legality and a list of understanding doctors? Thank You Very Much, Steven Van Strien

You say that in the bible that we are not to kill, yes in exdous 20. But also god dosent want us to love by mans standereds either and when they do the procider called euthinasia/assited suicide(so called) it is people that more than likely wont live with out the man made machines that breath and pump blood into them when tere lossing blood fast and theres no why you can fix it. so in a why your preventing God to prevent him from doing his job faster and easier. And God said let no man cast the first sone unles he is sin less or no man judg unles he wants to be judged. And right here your judging in Gods place if it is right or wrong and if it is in his eyes then hell put a stop to it. And me prsonaly dont want to watch my mom, dad, granparents, or friends have to die like that. B/c i did with my mom they put her on machines when she had half of her brain blown of and you know that if and Istress "IF" she would haved lived she would be nothing but a vegtable and I know she wouldnt want to live like that. But the doctors stressed that she saty on it until she died and I was 10 and Iwas telling them to take her of the machine but wouldnt lisent to me and its the worst memorie i have of my life knowing that I couldnt do nothing about it. But know there is a way to do it, with out hurting people and if it was avialble and I had a say in it I would have sugested them to do it. Thats is my thought on it and if you would like to know i am a Christian I am member of First Assmble of GOd in Laffeyette, GA. and I thank you for letting tell you my thoughts on it

I have a Question How can Christians actually justifiy Euthinasia?- the Bible teaches about loving thy neighbour and not to kill so how can the christian church accept it?

Man has always had the ability to end his or her own life. Law does not control it. So, the question becomes; should it be done as humanely as possible, or left to the best efforts of the individual. In considering it, we think about:

* Not being successful. Leaving ourselves in some even more debilitated state.

* Which of our loved ones will find the remains, and how will that effect them?

* Causing the police to fire on us to accomplish the task quickly and efficiently.

* What kind of death will best preserve organs we have donated?

* If it's humane to euthanasia a sick pet, why do I not get as much consideration?

well i think it would be very hard for a physician to participate but if the family wants them to its ok but otherwise i think its ok if they dont want. but for one euthinasia to me is horrible and i dont think it should axcually be done but if someone is axcually suffering enought it may be ok. but what am i to know about it i am only 12 in 7th grade. but i have choose to do a report on euthinasia. Thank you and have a good day! -Beth

hi. I was looking around the web for facts on euthanasia for my editorial when I found your site. I personally think that it is not only right for a physician to refuse to participate in euthanasia, but that it's the right thing to do. Thanks for having your web-site up so I can find some facts to support my opinion. -Tj

If the patient requests to have a lethal injection of euthinasia, it is their right to have it, if they are in so much pain and have nothing more to live for them let them die for christs sake

Euthanasia is a matter of opinion and perspective. if a man who is about to die has no chances of living, or the chances for him to survive is so minimal that it is either ni\egligible or immaterial then i think that euthanasia is but just. euthanasia saves the persons involved and the family members of further physical pain and mental anguish. not to mention that the cost of living is so high. this is not to say that every person who is admitted to the hospital be killed that very moment.relatives of terminally ill patients should have the right and liberty to do as they think is right and appropriate.

In response to Indian8580's message. Medicine isn't meddling in God's plan. If you were ill and needed medicine to cure yourself you wouldn't be sinning or anything. Medicine is a gift and we need to use it appropiatly. How can you possible ask a doctor to kill you when they have been trained to do their best to save people? To have a doctor do this to you would be selfish. I watched my granpa suffer until the day he died and never once did he complain. Never once did he consider killing himself and he especially didn't consider asking someone else to do it for him. He lived one day at a time and when his time came to go he was prepared and so was our family. There is no need to be inpatient for death, it all happens in its time. Whether you believe in God or not it doesn't matter death still will happen in its time.

Mike

Personally,we think life is the most precious thing:nothing is more important than it. In spite of this opinion, in front of a serious illness, we would think differently.In fact ,according to us, euthanasia can be"justified" if it is used for preserving someone from a terrible pain (physical but also mental, and not only for himself but also for the relatives ) and for avoiding a death that , after all , is sure and , above all , very very painful !!!!!! Moreover , we want to underline the human side of this question without taking in consideration the religious " principles " and , consequently , to follow a HUMAN ethics and not a divine one !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are two young Italian students and we would like to express our opinion about euthanasia. It is very difficult to approve or not this method because we do not know our reaction or our attitude in front of our familiar or friend who is a terminal ill. We cannot be sure if our love for this person would stop us in the decision to give him death or not.To give a true opinion we should personally live this terrible situation.

I believe that if you can't get in trouble for plain suicide I don't think that someone who aids you should have to pay for your decision. If you were well enough to do it your self then by all means do it, but if your someone who is bed ridden and you can't do anything for your self you should be able to tell a doctor and have them fulfill your wishes.

To answer your question about euthanasia I would like to contribute that when a health care provider pulls the plug it is simply letting the patient die as long as it's by the patients request.

Hey there, I was searching on the Internet for my final on Euthanasia and I stumbled over your site. Believe me this isn't hate mail, it is actually to tell you that it was just what I was searching for. I have the same exact feelings as you do on this one, because for one I know what it is like to see my mom-mom and nana die from cancer. Trust me, if it was posible, I would have wanted their pain to end sooner. Personally, I am a strong christian, but I still agree that this is right. Voice your opinion and good luck in medical school. Sarah

Most of the major opposition to euthanasia come from religious groups and their argument that god brought you here and he should take you out, no assistance from others. If this is the case should medicine for someone who has a disease which can be cured but if left alone is lethal should not be administered because maybe this is god trying to take the person to heaven and the medicine is only meddling in his plan and the disease should take its course no matter the outcome. I'm sure few people would not leap mountains to get the proper care for their loved one. Euthanasia is the only morally right choice for terminally ill people who have no more hope and the rest of their life riddled with pain and agony. How can people sit by and watch others in horrible pain and say this is "his plan" and we can't do anything. Whether doctors choose to help their patients end their pain is their choice but people should not stand in the way of a persons CHOICE to decide to end their life and leave this world with dignity and friends, not destitution and strangers.

i would hate to be put in such a horrible position!it would stink!i think that doctors should be able to refuse such things!it is wrong to try and force someone to murder another person!we should shine the light of God to maybe give them hope not to want to take their lives! in Christ.

tiffy

ear who ever it may concern, I am in the debate club at my school and i just thought i would share my opinion with you on euthanisia, euthanisia is wrong all the way."my job is to save the people's life and not take their life"-does that quote look familar to you.i would rather to live through the pain and see anothr day than to do euthanisia, anything could happen,-a cure could be found, a miracle could happen, etc, see what i mean, so therefore i leave you with my opinion, if there is any problems, questions. etc, feel free to e-mail me any time. thanx alot. bye

Personally, I feel that physicians haven't the right to refuse a terminally ill or disabled patient euthanasia. Euthanasia is a mercy killing, and therefore should be performed by physicians, for no suffering human being deserves to be refused the right to end their lives. It is and should be their decision and no one elses. Physicians also haven't the right to force the patient to suffer and be in pain the rest of his/her life. That is cruel and wrong. Granted killing is wrong, but in certain circumstances, exceptions should be made. No physician could ever possibly understand the amount of torture the patient undergoes daily, and so no physician could ever possibly understand why the he/she would want to end their life. Just respect his/her decision and perform euthanasia.

I believe that a person has the right to decide if he/she wants to die. I have different views on the subject of euthanasia. I feel that if a person has a terminal illness such as cancer and they want to die that is their decision and nobody else's, they would probably rather die an unpainful and relaxing death rather than dying a long painful antagonizing death. Then on the other hand what if the person decides when it is too late that he/she doesnÕt want to die, or what if he/she dies then they find a cure for their disease. This is how I feel about euthanasia for now but I can't say that it won't change when and if I ever have to face the situation first hand.

I believe a physician should be able to deny an active euthanasia. on the other hand I think it is okay for a physician to perform a passive euthanasia such as removing a life-support machine from a patient. An active euthanasia would actually be killing the patient with your own hands such as using an injection.

The majority of people who have posted a response to your question speak of "God" and the "Good Book" and that the Bible says it is wrong...I, as a rational, intelligent, and modern human being, prefer to look at life, illness and death, realistically. How can you base your life's decisions on the crazy ramblings of an exceptional story teller? The MORTAL, HUMAN, STORYTELLER who wrote that book, does not have to live with the decisions YOU make, does he? Nor does he even have to suffer the consequences of YOUR actions, does he? Believe it or not, where I come from (Canada), suicide was illegal until a very short while ago. Murder is still illegal. Again, it is another book, by numerous authors telling people how they must live. Every rule is accompanied by an exception. Euthanasia is not murder, and neither is abortion. Perhaps one could see both as selfish acts, but they are not wrong. Both instances involve the removal of a life in order to benefit a human being. A patient has the right to request anything he wishes from his doctor, just as the doctor has every right to refuse on the basis of incapability, or fear, or the fact that his heart will not permit him to do so. What I think is absolutely incomprehensible, would be anyone who claims euthanasia is wrong because we are in "God's" hands, "He" wouldn't like it. Well to those of you who agree with this, then your "God" must be a cruel, savage and relentless being, to allow the indignant suffering of his children, and then shun them for wishing to end their suffering and join "Him". Don't forget, euthanasia does not refer to people who just feel like dying, it refers to those who absolutely cannot go on living. I am only 19 years old, but if something happens to me at any point in my life, rendering me incapable of movement, I am so glad that I have at least one person who LOVES me enough to help end the pathetic, prison of a life I would be forced to live in.

A strong believer in Pro-Choice everything, and a strong Jack Kavorkian sympathiser, Kandi

i think a doctor has a right to refuse to aid euthanasia but also a right to help the person die. In the netherlands, euthanasia is legalised but only buy an express wish of the patient. i was visitng this website to research a school speech on the topic of euthanasia, and i found it helpful -well done all!!

I think euthanasia is not unethical and those who think that life and death are all in gods hands should think again because nobody knows if god exists for real or not. My grandparents had cancer and i watched them suffer.In the end they died.Do u think the battle and all the pain they went through was worth it?My Dad almost went bankrupt taking care of them. I think mercy killing is okay if the decision is taken collectively by the doctor, the patient and the patients family.There is nothing wrong with releasing someone from their pain.Infact it is torture to let them suffer. I'm going to be a doctor soon and I'll accept any hatemail for my decision in believing that euthanasia is the right choice(and so is abortion in many cases)

Doctors are people we go to when we are in need of help, they are a shoulder to cry on. It is part of their ethcal code to "Do Good", but it is also in their code to let the paitent choose. I know if there was nopthing else for myself to live for and I had no-one else to turn to then yes I would choose euthinasia.

to whom it may concern:yes i do think doctors should be a part of the act of euthanasia too be sure it is the only option for the patient if a patient wants too die instead of deal with the pain of a disability or a disease a doctor should help them with options for pain relief and if euthanasis is the best option in the doctors opinion then the doctor should be there to administer the drugs so that they work too end the patients life if the drugs are not given right the patient could end up a vegitable or in a coma and suffer alot more euthanasia should be an adults decision too end there own life an adult should not use euthanasia as a way to unburden them selves from a disabled child unless the child shows a desier too die because of pain or feeling of worthlessness a psychiatrist should examin the patient to determin there mental state and see if drugs would help the patient but i believe drugs are a fake fix they can just mask the problem and make a patient so out of it they just do'nt care that is'nt always the answer sometimes death is the only humaine answer

witten by matthew powell

I think this depends on the beliefs of the doctor. I think he should at least know who does participate in this, therefore can refer. We have our animals put to sleep, why cant we make the same decision? Like everything else, there should be guidelines, but I beleive also that this should be available for the people. Then Dr. Kavorkian wouldnt be rotting in prison. Shame on them!

Sincerely, Robin Turman

I think it should be the personal decision of each individual doctor involved to accept euthanasia as a medical act. Some people's religious and moral ehtics may conflict with what modern medicine thinks is 'acceptable'. However, I don't think euthanasia should be expected to be 'accepted' by a doctor, if that person doesn't feel that it is morally right for them.

Frank Baker

The fact is , you can make as many responses as you want to, if you're not the one who is doing the dying or doing the killing than you're not one to talk. I just think that everything that is said is just something to be said. in fact it doesn't matter if i agree with one point or another...do you now why? because i am 19. i'm neither dying nor thinking about killing someone else. but someone who is actually faced with this decision, well, what to they decide. The fact is, it's different every time. you can't decide a life or a death so long as you are the one not dying. the argument in itself it irrelevant until you are IT.

One of the Reasons why people choose euthanasia is because of financial problems. What can we possibly do to solve this problem so as to discourage them to choose euthanasia. Pls. email me your answer to: annareyes@zdnetonebox.com [ Moderator's note: Also e-mail a response to this site.]

There is something which seems to have escaped the cognitive reasoning of many..

For those who legalize and support abortion . the same consideration ought to be offered the terminally ill [hope thats clear]/// v. starks

In roughly eighty years time, I pray to God that I am never in this postion where I can ask a doctor, a total stranger, to eliminate me from this earth. I may be old, I may not work as well as I use to, but does that give anyone else the right to terminate my life. Women say that they have the right over their own bodies, therefore they can terminate the life of a baby. Then do I not have the right whether I live or whether my family have the right to choose whether I live or die. ' The right', what does that really mean? I pled with every person considering euthanasia, make sure you are the one who decides. I don't agree with euthanasia, but I can see both sides to the coin. The right to live is your choice and your choice only. I pray for every person who reads this. May God bless you in your decision.

I think this question is easily answered. A doctor has an option of what meds to prescribe, why wouldn't he/she get an option for this? I have a doctor that does not prescribe any diet aids. He feels they are not safe, even though studies so far say they are. I believe that if he has a choice in medications such as this, he definately should have the choice in prescribing medication that would lead to a patients deliberate death. I am all for the euthanasia laws, and am happy to be living in Oregon, but if it goes against a doctors beliefs than he should never be forced to do it. He should promptly transfer all medical records to another doctor that the patient finds to perform the procedure. And he should in no way try to stop the death from occuring, based solely on his beliefs.

Alas, a spot where I can divulge and expound upon my beleifs for self-deliverance by way of assistance my medicla practioner. In reading some of the more emotional responses on your web page it pushed me to offfer my own. I being of sound mind offer this point for contemplation; it should be in the sole interest and benefit of the suffering that the idea of assisted suicide be entertained. The poor soul speaks of deliverance and we objectify,debase and ridilcule his mortal suffering with verbage. The irresponsibility mentiioned in some the observations forwared falls heavy -handedly on those who no not of the perspective of pain and susffering and will the healthy survivalist agenda upon the inferm. As might be worth noting the supposed benefit of "hangin' in there and pulling yourself by your bootstraps" or "weathering the storm" are of absolutely minimal benefit in conquering sorrows beyond the call of the medical world. I myself have known an assortment of acquaintences who chose to drug themselves to death, inadvertanly selecting suicide by means that to some are truely gruesome. How much better for them if they also chose to exclude themselves from that inevitable self-destruction. The addicted, as in this case, are given options either to engage in what assuredly is a life of "pain" or to deliver themselves through rehabilitation. No such law can persuade or Hypocratic Oath can commit an addict to "ease" their life of misery. Parodoxically. the terminally ill with no such option except to embrace unrelenting misery have to uphold moral obligations to the medical and religious communities. So sad that the welcoming of death for whom all of us it is intended, is not comprehended by its closest ally: the physician. "When I die, people will say its the best thing forr me. It is because they know it is the worst.They want to avoid the feeling of pity.As though they were the people most concerned." _Ivy Compton-Burnett,The Mighty and Their Fall (1962) thanks for space to voice

Yes, I do believe a doctor has the right to refuse to actively participate in euthanisia for several reasons. One reason is spiritual in that I believe murder (killing of another human being) and suicide (killing of oneself) is wrong as stated in the Ten Commandments "Thou Shalt Not Commit Murder". A doctor is given the skills and knowledge to help heal, not to take one's life. A doctor also has the moral right to refuse based on the hippocratic oath that each one takes as they embark on their new career. It clearly states in the oath, "I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such councel and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary (sic) to produce abortion. As I do, we can all pray for our patients who are suffering and if it's the Lords will it will be done.

I believe euthanasia is the right of the patient. If the patient is of sound mind when the decision is made, or the family members of the patient have discussed this with the patient before dementia has set in, then the patient's wishes should be carried out. It is a doctor's responsibility to take care of a patient all the way through even if that means in death. It is cruel and unusual punishment to make a patient suffer in pain and misery when he/she has no quality of life left. Thanks for listening to my opinion. Sherry

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU THAT A PERSON SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE THE DECISION WHEN ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I MYSELF FACE THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM 43 YRS OLD AND HAVE HAD A DISORDER MOST OF MY LIFE WHICH IS NOW CAUSING MUCH DISRUPTION IN MY LIFE I CAN FEEL FOR ANYONE IN THE SAME POSITION AND WISH THE GENERAL POPULATION WOULD ONLY COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT TO EXTEND LIFE WITHOUT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IS FOLLY .HP IN SASK. CANADA

IM 29yrs old. ive been terminilly ill for 8 & half years now.I MEAN PAIN SO HORRIBLE ALL I CAN DO IS CRY FOR GOD TO GIVE ME STRENGTH TO GO ON.Morphine dont even help me anymore,becouse my body has gotten tollerant to it.SO DONT TALK ABOUT SOMETHING YOU HAVENT EXPEINCED!!!!! MOST OF YOU PEOPLE ARE THE HIPOCRITS!!!!!!AND DONT ANYBODY WRITE ME BACK,TALKING BULLCRAP.BECOUSE NOBODY SHOULD HAVE TO SUFFER FOR 9 YRS.ALSO YOU DONT HAVE A CLUE WHAT IVE BEEN THOUGH. But i will tell all of you this.I wouldnt wish this kind of hell & misery on anyone. God Bless You All,and i have love in my heart for each & every one of you. Nomatter what you may think on this matter.

Well i think euthenasia should be legal, because we should choose if we want to die. What is the point of living if you will be strapped to a bed doing nothing for the rest of your life? The people should choose what they want to do with their life.

A physician's role is to serve his patient by helping him/her in anyway possible. Therefore, he should act upon their rational patient's requests. The physician should not be forced into doing anything, at that point, hire another doctor. In addition, if a person is suffering enough and would rather be around friends and family rather than a hospital enviroment, they have the right to. They have the right to lead their life anyway they want, and they have the right to end it anyway they want.

Do not force religion on any person. Believe what you want to believe. In the end, if they makes your life content - more power to you. Otherwise, do not force your beliefs/politics on me.

my 2 cents.

M.H. Vo

I think that you are just talking out of your butt! Have you done any scource of research because it sure doesn't look like it. Woman have the right to abort because they were given that right to decide their fate. People have been given the choice to kill themselves with or without a doctor. If they don't legalize euthinasia things will just get messy. Same with abortions people will go out on the street and get them done instead of a doctors office and with the possibility of not only killing what was inside of them but themselves as well. Abortions and Euthinasia are no comparison. Abortions are getting rid of a mistake, and Euthinasia is ending your life because you are sick and aren't going to live your last days happy. I think before you go posting a thing on Euthinasia you should know what you are talking about.

One thing that I keep reading over and over is the famous quote from the Hippocratic Oath, " I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such councel;" but everyone seems to be forgetting the very next line, "and in like manner I will not give to a woman a Pessary (sic) to produce abortion." To me, we have already stepped over the line on the Oath that it is hardly a good source to make an argument from. What is the difference between a living baby inside the womb and a patient who is competent to make his or her own decision not to go on? Ill tell you, the baby never had a voice to say weither to live or die but the patient does !!!!! How backwards can you get! In a sense we are saying " No I'm sorry you don't have that right Mr. So and SO and turning around and aborting a baby who never asked to be conceived in the first place. I find it ironic that in our society we have so little value for human lives (people are killing each other every day and barely get punished) but we wont allow someone who is in constant pain the grace and dignity to bow out. We as Americans should be ashamed of ourselves, we are true hypocrites in every since of the word.

When someone becomes a doctor, he/she takes the hippocratic oath. Then how can they go and break this oath by doing abortions and performing assisted suicide or euthenasia of any kind? (By this i mean those doctors who do participate in the performance of abortions and euthenasia) Please respond. I mean they take a vow and they break that vow so easily... doesnt make sence to me.

The Hippocratic Oath, which is an ideal drilled into most physicans' heads, strictly prohibits the practice of euthansaia. Many doctors, upon recieving their degrees swear by this oath, and this provision against euthanasia is certainly present. A doctor, while swearing by this Oath to attend to the best interests of his patients, also swears not to harm them or prescribe them a fatal draught. Depending on a doctor's religious, moral, or political stances, his opinion on the best interests of his patient could vary significantly, but by swearing in the oath not to be the willing agent of his patient's death, he if foreswearing the practice of euthanasia. If the doctor should choose to assist his patient in euthanasia, it is an entirely different matter; denying a doctor the right to refuse to kill someone is equivilent to denying a patient the right to refuse to die by his doctor's hand.

Michael Stafford,University of South Carolina

Euthanasia is a means of dispatching human life at the hands of another. It is evident in the Hippocratic Oath that: ÒI will give no deadly medicine to anyone if asked, nor suggest such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy Ó This clearly displays a prohibition of euthanasia. Euthanasia has often been depicted as a peaceful means of ending a terminal illness. In AustraliaÕs Northern Territory, The Australian Measure Òpainted a picture of calm peaceful death surrounded by loved ones.Ó Then it goes to say that if drugs are used to induce death, family members may wish to leave the room during the killing process due to possible unpleasantness. By removing the personal aspect of one killing themselve, it makes suicide a much less intimidating experience, causing one to be more prone to terminating their life prematurely. Legalizing such actions would not be in the best interest of creating an ethical society that values life.

Brantley D. Busbee

A doctor should definitely have the right not to participate in active euthanasia. This is a decision that they may tell a patient ahead of time if it acts as a problem. There are many moral issues about euthanasia, and if doctor does not want to kill someone, he should not be forced to. Many doctors also swear by the Hippocratic Oath when they graduate from medical school, and this prohibits euthanasia. I would think the question should be, "does the doctor have the right to practice in active euthanasia?"

I think it is absolutely the right of the physician to refuse to participate in active euthanasia. Aside from the fact that active euthanasia is illegal, it is the doctor that must wrestle with his conscience after helping to kill someone. If a doctor is not comfortable with doing so, the patient can most certainly find someone who will help him or her die. In Hippocratic Oath the physician swears not to harm anyone, and helping someone die certainly could be construed as harming. Furthermore, the physician swears not to prescribe a "fatal draught" to anyone or even suggest one. This could be a prohibition of euthanasia, though it is doubtful if you look at the public opinion of the times (such things were actually encouraged).

The basic point is that a physician should not be obligated to perform a procedure if he is not comfortable with doing so, even if it means giving up a patient. If a doctor feels that his personal morals are being compromised, or that he is not keeping the ethic of not harming anyone, then he or she should have a choice in the matter. Furthermore, by swearing to the Hippocratic Oath the doctor has already chosen not to perform the procedures, if he chooses to bring up this point.

Ken Byrd

I think it is understood that the role of a physician is to help the ill. I believe performing euthanasia on a suffering, terminally-ill patient would constitute helping them. I do believe the initial responsibility of the physician is to do everything in his or her power to make the patient well. However, if all fails, euthanasia is not unethical. The Hippocratic Oath can, by no means, be used as support for an argument against euthanasia. The Oath was written by a minority that was against its practice and was not a good representation of the overall view of Greek society at that time. The majority of Greeks condoned euthanasia under certain circumstances. The Oath was then altered to prohibit all forms of euthanasia, whether active or passive, after the rise of Christianity. I also feel that one cannot distinguish whether one form of euthanasia is more ethical than another. The ultimate purpose of all euthanasia is the same.

-Jon Taylor, University of South Carolina

Should doctors be in a place in any sort to take lives instead of help better them? That is a tough call with many consequences. In thinking of the patient's well-being and interest, why shouldn't terminally ill patients with capable minds be allowed to choose their own death? Living each day with only the doctor's voicing of how long you have to live, or how persistant the pain is going to be, can't be a way of life that anyone ultimately desires. However, I do think doctors should have the right to decide whether or not they participate in these acts. Religion will be the main decision factor for me in my days as a practicing physician (fairly ambitious in my freshman year of undergraduate study). Doctors personal morals and values in adherence to religous standards needs to be weighed as well. I know I would not feel adequate, to say the least, in assisting someone to death, even if it is what they ask me to do. How can a law force me to take part in that and disregard my religious beliefs?

As for euthanasia as a whole, not just singling out the physician's requirements, i should hope we can encourage living with dignity to include dying when the natural time comes. I know I am overlooking many issues with this comment, but it is impossible to draw them all out in a sensible manner without contacting a publisher.

"Euthenasia" is Greek for "good death." It is the administration of a lethal agent by another person to a patient in order to relieve his or her intolerable and and most often incurable suffering. The practice can be traced to antiquity where several methods were practiced and recorded. The procedures included a lethal but painless dose of poison extracted from the Hemlock tree. Sustained phlebotomies were also practiced. The patient's veins were cut and he or she was left to bleed to death. The first known document of medical ethics, the Hippocratic Oath, prohibits euthenasia. "I will not give a fatal draught to anyone if I am asked, nor will I suggest any such thing." This follows a long honored tradition in which it is the social commitment of a physician to relieve suffering and save lives.

It is understandable that some patients in extreme duress may decide death is preffered to life. However, allowing physicians to participate in this act is not right. The American Medical Association's current Code of Medical Ethics states, "Euthenasia is fundamentally incompatible with the physician's role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks." Instead of assisting in a patient's demise, the physician ought to respond aggressively to the needs of a patient at the end of his or her life. However, the practitioner should respect the mentally competent patients' decisions to forgo life-sustaining treatments.

Indeed, a person is just this, a person. I think that euthanasia and abortion is completely bad. The medic's work is often insignificant, the death will happen, but the medic must follow his treatment or support care until the patient die. He doesn't have any power about another decision, only the patient himself.

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Dr. Mo:

I am currently a student at Deuel High School and of Mrs. Ramona Lundberg. I recently posted a web quest on Euthanasia. I felt, after researching the subject, that there was definite conflict in the issue.

I personally feel euthanasia is not ethical if performed on non-terminally ill patients. However, I also feel suffering of patients that cannot be cured is cruel. Euthanasia may not be ethical in the minds of millions of Americans, but in the minds of suffering it may be freedom. I understand that mercy killing can be considered murder, but if not performed the act can also be considered torture.

Thank you for your time in allowing me to express my opinion. My email address is packard2000@hotmail.com if there are any questions or comments.

Sincerely, Jeremy Sample

I believe it is OK for a doctor to refuse, but It should be the patients right to end their suffering, if a person is not able to commit the act then someone should be found who could assist. How is choosing to die any different from a DNR. I would rather end my suffering with dignity than to be so drugged to hide the pain that I couldn't control myself. we fight for so many of our right's but our ultimate right seems to be compromized

Euthenasia. It's not easing a person out of their pain. It's murder. God has a plan for each of us on this earth. Even the ones who lie in a hospital bed in vegitaive state. Come on. Reason with me. It's plain out and out MURDER! I pray for those of you who are so intent on believing that euthenasia is right and should be legal. I also pray for those who agree with me. Stand your ground. Don't faulter in your beliefs! Thank you!

My feeling is that the person who is ill should have the right to end their life. I can't understand how abortion is leagal when that person (the baby) doesn't have a choice, and the person who has suffered and can no longer live, doesn't have that option. How is that humane?

Come on people...doctors already "assist" in helping patients to die quicker if a patient is terminally ill. They prescribe legal drugs, such as morphine, to lower the heart and breathing rate, letting the patient have a relatively pain free death with calm, dignity and hope. This is not against the law. However, a painless but lethal injection that would "help" the patient faster is illegal. Where is the sense in this? And for everyone that says that it is the doctors duty of care to keep the patient alive, this very much conflicts with the doctors duty of care to relieve a patients suffering. Just think about what you're all saying...

i think that euthinasia is right in the right curcumstancies. It's the patients choice. Put yourself in there position if you were dying and was in a lot of pain and you knew there was no chance of survival would you want to go on. Because i know i wouldn't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

h_bull@yahoo.co.uk

Yes I do think that is right for a physician to refuse to participate in active euthanasia. It is their own personal choice whether they participate or not. No person should be able to force someone to do something that they want or wish to do.

I don't think it's wrong. I think euthanasia is wrong and should be illegal. Everywhere!

Thank you! Angel

cataluna6@hotmail.com

I think that this topic is a very controversial. The Bible says that suicide is bad and people whole-heartedly support that. I myself think that Euthanasia is a form of suicide. However, I dare not swear that I will never agree to it whether in doing myself in or a beloved family member/acquaintance. It is easy to condemn other people of suicide and cowardice or even sinning in the eyes of God. But I think that many would be singing a different song if they were in the same position or had a sister or mother etc.. who is suffering from a terminal disease. It is different when you wake up everyday to excruciating pain and you face another day knowing that your end is near ...when you do not feel that the time given to you on this Earth was sufficent. When you know that you will never see your child graduate... or have grandchildren oretc etc... i have a friend of my age, 18, and his mother has just died of cancer. Being his friend, I know what pain he goes through everyday and i know what pain he went through when his mother was still alive. how he was tortured to see his mother being reduced to a vegetable from a healthy, active and caring woman. He is a staunch Christian... but he has confided in me and told me more than once that he would have given anything for his mother's pain to be lessened or shortened. fin short, i do not think that us, the healthy ones who do not know the meaning of pain, have a right to preach or act so self righteous.

sue

I believe that religiously, and morally... Euthenasia is wrong, and it does say in the Bible, "thall shall not kill"- as Brian pointed out... but people also have the right to make their own decisions. Not everybody believes in God and an afterworld, if they believe that they want to die and are willing to go through with assisted suicide... let them. It's their decision. If it's a friend of yours or a family member... i believe its your right to try and prevent the person from doing it, by letting them know that they're worthy, or they could get better... etc... but their final decision is their decision, no one elses.

It is said that one reason why doctors went through years of medical school is so they can excel in their job. their job is to protect any human being from death no matter what the situation.

luis g. united

A person has every right to end there own life. A doctor has every right to participate in the assitance of it or not. If someone really wants to die, they will find a way regardless, so whynot make it painless? No one should have to stay alive just to suffer,if the patient decides that they want to die, so be it. Perfectly healthy people who kill themselves have problems in there lives they think can't be solved. Those people need counsoling, they think they have no way out, but they do. People who are terminally ill and are mentally able to make that desicion can. It should be an option to people taken into great consideration, but still an option.

why do you think assisted suicide is so wrong when mothers kill babies all the time and it is legal plus the the 14th admentment insures us the right to happiness so if going that way is what they want who are we to say no plus any doctor you talk to will say when a babies heart beast it is alive you are alive until your heart stops and most mothers kill there babies with 2 months by then the babies heart is beating

What the hell is wrong with you people? Euthanasia = killing!

If I cut my hand, I suffer for a while. If I go to the hospital and have to wait longer to get help, I still heal Does it matter if I suffered a little longer? After the suffering is over, it doesn't really matter does it? If a person dies, their suffering is over. If they weren't given assistance and suffered longer, their suffering is still over. In both cases, suffering ends with death. Does it matter if they suffered a little longer?

I agree with Brian, The Bible DEFINATLY says that suicide is wrong.

To be honest to the ethical question about Euthanasia. I would have to say that I do not consider myself to be a super religous person. I would agree though that from most religious beliefs of different religions, killing yourself and Eutanasia are both wrong. I have been taught that you should be strong and fight things no matter how bad they are in hope that somehow things can get better. From the area I have been brought up, only the wussy ass, can't hack it, crybabies kill themselves and would go for Euthanasia. I feel though that if you are one of those people, Good . . .die then, cuz that's one less of those people out there that we have to put up with. Believe it or not, crying doesn't get you anywhere in this world, and people need to realize that. If they'd quit crying and start believeing and suckin it up, things might get better and diseases might get cures, and problems might get solved.

Euthanasia is wrong!!!!!!!!!!! No one has the right to kill someone nor does a person have the right to kill themselves. It says in the Bible that " You shall not kill"

LOOK IT UP Everybody needs to understand this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian

Physicians take (or should take) an oath to protect life. If this is violated legally or illegally it is a violation of th