The right to die

Donut · 03-07-2002, 11:50 AM

Here is an ethical dilemma for you. This case is being head in the High Court at the moment.

A 43 year old woman who was paralysed from the neck down 11 months ago when a blood vessel burst in her head has asked that her ventilator be turned off so that she be allowed to die.

Should her doctors comply?

Redblueflare · 03-07-2002, 11:56 AM

I think they should. I know that if that happened to me, i'd say "Shoot me now." I just couldn't live being completely helpless. I couldn't even turn the pages in a book, much less walk, or post here at IW. [img]smile.gif[/img] Just my two cents.

Talthyr Malkaviel · 03-07-2002, 11:57 AM

Should they? I think yes
Will they? Where is it, depends on the law of the country.
Hmmm, this topic should be ok.. as long as people stay civil.

Epona · 03-07-2002, 12:01 PM

Yes, if she requests it and is of sound mind, they should turn off the ventilator. I thought everyone of legal age and of sound mind had the right to refuse medical treatment?

Larry_OHF · 03-07-2002, 12:18 PM

If I was in a position such as that, I would beg my wife to let me go. I would not want to be a hinderance and a costly upkeep for her. She would be much happier without me.

Elif Godson · 03-07-2002, 12:29 PM

I agree with Epona on that, if she is of sound mind and know's what she want's, let her go. There are cases like this all the time in state's. Usually held up by a relative who doesnt want to let go.
But yes by all mean's let her slip quietly and knowingly into the void
of spirituality and be at peace from the physical realm.

Cerek the Barbaric · 03-07-2002, 12:38 PM

I agree with the rest of the group.

If she is of sound mind, the doctor's don't really have any legitimate grounds for denying her wishes. Her husband or next-of-kin can sign a form releasing the doctors from any responsibility (at least in the States).

Another measure used by hospitals in America is a document called a Living Will. You can state that you do not wish the hospital to perform any "heroic efforts" to revive or sustain your life. Anybody that is admitted to any hospital over here is given a chance to fill out one of these forms. This ensures that the persons wishes will be honored in case of a traumatic injury or illness.

Sir Taliesin · 03-07-2002, 12:39 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Epona:
Yes, if she requests it and is of sound mind, they should turn off the ventilator. I thought everyone of legal age and of sound mind had the right to refuse medical treatment?

I agree whole heartly with Epona! Should even have to go to court. We have the same argument going on here in Oregon.

J'aran · 03-07-2002, 12:40 PM

What does the law say about euthanasia, because that's what we're talking about here, have to say where this is taking place?

As for my personal opinion, I agree with the others. If someone has good reason to end his/her life, for instance severe suffering due to an illness or injury without hope for a cure, and if he/she is mentally fit to make such a decision, then there is IMO no reason to deny them their peace.

Beaumanoir · 03-07-2002, 03:57 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Talthyr Malkaviel:
Should they? I think yes
Will they? Where is it, depends on the law of the country.
Hmmm, this topic should be ok.. as long as people stay civil.

If its The Same One I Saw On The News This Morning Then Its In England.

03-07-2002, 11:50 AM	#1
Donut Jack Burton Join Date: March 1, 2001 Location: Airstrip One Age: 40 Posts: 5,571	Here is an ethical dilemma for you. This case is being head in the High Court at the moment. A 43 year old woman who was paralysed from the neck down 11 months ago when a blood vessel burst in her head has asked that her ventilator be turned off so that she be allowed to die. Should her doctors comply? __________________ [img]\"http://www.wheatsheaf.freeserve.co.uk/roastspurs.gif\" alt=\" - \" /> <br />Proud member of the Axis of Upheaval<br />Official Titterer of the Laughing Hyenas<br />Josiah Bartlet - the best President the US never had.<br />The 1st D in the D & D Show

03-07-2002, 11:56 AM	#2
Redblueflare Galvatron Join Date: May 9, 2001 Location: The backwoods in Georgia sigh Age: 39 Posts: 2,151	I think they should. I know that if that happened to me, i'd say "Shoot me now." I just couldn't live being completely helpless. I couldn't even turn the pages in a book, much less walk, or post here at IW. [img]smile.gif[/img] Just my two cents. __________________ <br /><br />\"If you ever need me just whistle, and i\'ll come running. I promise. <img border=\"0\" title=\"\" alt=\"[Smile]\" src=\"smile.gif\" /> <br />Kupo, Kupo! A man can\'t get a sword if he can\'t dance! <img border=\"0\" title=\"\" alt=\"[Big Grin]\" src=\"biggrin.gif\" />

03-07-2002, 11:57 AM	#3
Talthyr Malkaviel Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: August 31, 2001 Location: Land of the Britons Age: 37 Posts: 3,224	Should they? I think yes Will they? Where is it, depends on the law of the country. Hmmm, this topic should be ok.. as long as people stay civil. __________________ Resident cantankerous sorcerer of the Clan HADB<br />and Sorcerous Nuttella salesman of the O.R.T<br /> <br /><br />Say NO to the Trouser Tyranny! Can I drill you about this?

03-07-2002, 12:01 PM	#4
Epona Zartan Join Date: March 1, 2001 Location: London, England Age: 53 Posts: 5,164	Yes, if she requests it and is of sound mind, they should turn off the ventilator. I thought everyone of legal age and of sound mind had the right to refuse medical treatment? __________________ [img]\"http://www.wizardrealm.com/images/epona.gif\" alt=\" - \" />

03-07-2002, 12:18 PM	#5
Larry_OHF Ironworks Moderator Join Date: March 1, 2001 Location: Midlands, South Carolina Age: 48 Posts: 14,759	If I was in a position such as that, I would beg my wife to let me go. I would not want to be a hinderance and a costly upkeep for her. She would be much happier without me. __________________

03-07-2002, 12:29 PM	#6
Elif Godson Dracolich Join Date: August 28, 2001 Location: Hurricane Valley Age: 51 Posts: 3,089	I agree with Epona on that, if she is of sound mind and know's what she want's, let her go. There are cases like this all the time in state's. Usually held up by a relative who doesnt want to let go. But yes by all mean's let her slip quietly and knowingly into the void of spirituality and be at peace from the physical realm. __________________ Children get Arthritis too! http://awtampa.kintera.org/jaaware

03-07-2002, 12:38 PM	#7
Cerek the Barbaric Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: October 29, 2001 Location: North Carolina Age: 61 Posts: 3,257	I agree with the rest of the group. If she is of sound mind, the doctor's don't really have any legitimate grounds for denying her wishes. Her husband or next-of-kin can sign a form releasing the doctors from any responsibility (at least in the States). Another measure used by hospitals in America is a document called a Living Will. You can state that you do not wish the hospital to perform any "heroic efforts" to revive or sustain your life. Anybody that is admitted to any hospital over here is given a chance to fill out one of these forms. This ensures that the persons wishes will be honored in case of a traumatic injury or illness. __________________ [img]\"http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/cerek/cerektsrsig.jpg\" alt=\" - \" /><br />Cerek the Calmth

03-07-2002, 12:39 PM	#8
Sir Taliesin Silver Dragon Join Date: March 4, 2001 Location: Knoxville, TN USA Age: 60 Posts: 1,641	quote: Originally posted by Epona: Yes, if she requests it and is of sound mind, they should turn off the ventilator. I thought everyone of legal age and of sound mind had the right to refuse medical treatment? I agree whole heartly with Epona! Should even have to go to court. We have the same argument going on here in Oregon. __________________ Sir Taliesin<br /><br />Hello... Good bye.

03-07-2002, 12:40 PM	#9
J'aran Mephistopheles Join Date: December 12, 2001 Location: Fryslân, The Netherlands Age: 44 Posts: 1,493	What does the law say about euthanasia, because that's what we're talking about here, have to say where this is taking place? As for my personal opinion, I agree with the others. If someone has good reason to end his/her life, for instance severe suffering due to an illness or injury without hope for a cure, and if he/she is mentally fit to make such a decision, then there is IMO no reason to deny them their peace.

03-07-2002, 03:57 PM	#10
Beaumanoir Iron Throne Cult Join Date: June 3, 2001 Location: There is no IRL, Only AFK. Age: 35 Posts: 4,896	quote: Originally posted by Talthyr Malkaviel: Should they? I think yes Will they? Where is it, depends on the law of the country. Hmmm, this topic should be ok.. as long as people stay civil. If its The Same One I Saw On The News This Morning Then Its In England. __________________ My pokemon bring all the boys to the yard, and they're like; you wanna trade cards? Damn right, I wanna trade cards, I'll trade this but not my Charizard.

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