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Assisted
Dying This article argues for
legalising Assisted Dying
for terminally ill humans.
It is suggested you read it alongside this simple PDF by Dignity in Dying. Definitions Assisted Dying is a voluntary death using drugs supplied by a doctor. It is not suicide, as this does not accurately reflect the process. Dying people who want to control the manner and timing of their death are not suicidal. Few countries have legalised it. Assisted dying is self-administered using doctor-supplied drugs Euthanasia is a type of assisted dying where the death drug is administered by a doctor. It can be at the patient's request (e.g. because the patient can no longer move). Even fewer countries have legalised this (e.g. Canada, Belgium, Netherlands). However, many countries allow it under certain exceptional circumstances, for example when the person has been in a coma for many weeks; this can be called 'pulling the plug'. Euthanasia
usually involves a lethal intravenous injection
Animals If you have an animal that is terminally ill and in terrible pain or indignity, it is so normal to have that animal 'put to sleep' (painlessly killed). This euthanasia is seen as humane and an act of compassion. Humans So why does the system (political, legal, medical) struggle so vehemently against this kind of possibility with terminally ill humans? Especially when the human involved wants this option? Especially when the human can personally administer the death drug? Especially when the public hugely (84%) support it? Especially when the disabled (86%) support it? The Case for Change
Dignity in Dying (accessed 31 May 2020) is a UK organisation that campaigns to legalise assisted dying. Its research shows that 84% of the public support the choice of assisted dying for terminally ill adults. Its campaign:-
Dignity in Dying believes that
assisted dying for terminally ill adults with mental capacity should be
legal
in the UK. It supports a law which would give people who have
six months or less
to live the option to control the timing and manner of their death.
The law they want:
This
is based on the Death
with Dignity Act in
Oregon, which has worked safely for over 20 years and has
been adopted
by many
other American states such as California and Washington, as well as the
Australian state of Victoria.
I think it is important to realise that 35% of patients who formally request assisted dying in Oregon do not take the life-ending medication. It is there as an option if their suffering becomes unbearable. This brings peace of mind, a 'good death' for them and those close. It gives them autonomy and frees them up to live a fuller life now. It is also vital to be aware that undignified and painful death can happen despite the best palliative care. There are various uncontrollable and severe physical symptoms beyond pain which cause suffering and indignity, as well as the psychological suffering caused by loss of autonomy. "Please let me die" [in German] When assisted dying is legalised and added as another option in end-of-life care, palliative care flourishes. They complement one another improving transparency and honesty in all conversations. Resources & Sources Organisations
Articles
By Country
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Also see:- Assisted Dying Quotes Success for Society - Death Death & Immortality |
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