Should the terminally ill be offered the solution of suicide pills?

1. 59

   andrew savageposted 12 years ago

   Should the terminally ill be offered the solution of suicide pills?

   replyreport
2. 96

   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   YES, YES, and YES!!!! I have never understood why in most places it is illegal to end your own pain or have a loved one assist in ending it. We should have the right to end our suffering. I personally have no desire to suffer. I don't think anyone does. On top of that knowing my family would have to go through that suffering is just too much.

   replyreport
3. 0

   Brenda Durhamposted 12 years ago

   No.  No.  No.
   Just because something is easier doesn't mean it's right.
   No one likes to suffer, and no one likes to see someone else suffer,  but humans aren't disposable,  whether they're suffering or not.
   Animals, on the other hand, are different.   And again, people aren't animals.

   replyreport
4. 88

   kansasyarnposted 12 years ago

   As a former hospice professional, I believe that the symptoms of pain, mental and emotional suffering can be managed successfully with a variety of therapies.  These therapies include appropriate doses of medication for anxiety, nausea/vomiting, insomnia, diarrhea, constipation, and, of course, pain. 
   
   I believe that the suffering experienced by the terminally ill can be managed.  I have seen it time and time again.  What is necessary is the provision of appropriate medical treatment as desired by each patient.  There can be a "good death" that fulfills personal growth for the patient as well as those caring for him. 
   
   If properly managed with medications and treatments the terminally ill would not seek suicide options because they would not endure constant and prolonged suffering.  The answer to this question is increased access to palliative care and hospice programs.

   replyreport
   1. 96

      peeplesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      My Mother in law who works in hospice sees plenty of people still suffering with proper medical care. Medications are not a fix all.

      replyreport
5. 72

   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   WHAT?! I read this question, then had to reread it again. That's a horrible thought! No, I don't think they should. That would be like handing them a loaded gun. Unethical.

   replyreport
   1. 96

      peeplesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      So it's more ethical to let them rot and suffer than to offer them a way to end the suffering? If they will die anyway why force suffering?

      replyreport
   2. 72

      lburmasterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If they wish to take their own life, they will find the means on their own. You should NEVER help someone commit suicide.

      replyreport
6. 75

   Ann1Az2posted 12 years ago

   Suicide is never the answer. People who are dying are usually in the hospital and there is no reason to let them suffer - hospitals have many forms of pain medicine. In the case where people are not in the hospital, doctors can still give them strong pain medication. Most doctors who deal with terminally ill patients know they are in pain.
   
   Terminally ill people who are not in pain should live their life to the fullest while they still can. Suicide is a selfish way out of a bad situation and should never be considered an option.

   replyreport
7. 60

   ib radmastersposted 12 years ago

   The law already allows the government to kill people, so why not allow people to choose their own destiny. I think hospice is a long drawn out process the goal of which is the death of the patient. It is cruel and the pills would be much better.

   replyreport