Legalizing assisted-suicide is an on-going debate in North America and Quebec is moving forward on this issue.
There are ethical and legal factors to consider of course.
We're assured that the legal framework would not permit the killing of people without proper consent and such.
Does anyone really believe that?
All I can offer (if anecdotal) is what I witnessed in the ICU while my father was there for several months a decade ago.
The doctors were pushing hard to end his life. It took the full force of the family to protect and save him. I remember seeing patients in ICU in not so fortunate a position and wondering who would fight for their lives? My mother observed and asked, "those poor people. No one speaks for them."
In the end, it takes the full power of the family to take on the system.
I agree with you. I think it's just to dangerous to make it legal. I sympathize with those who just want to be allowed to die, but putting that power in the hands of doctors is wrong. Doctors have to be committed to saving and extending life, not actively ending it.
ReplyDeleteIn the U.S., unfortunately, the "death panels" are now inevitable as the Feds get more involved and ironically make health care even more expensive. Obamacare means do your duty and die for our Great Leader and his nanny state, old folks.
Well put.
ReplyDeleteBut people want to be taken care of by the government. Obama is all too ready to please this. He's an enabler.
They all wrap their rhetoric in 'greater good' lingo.
Right.