Posted by TamaraJ on March 1, 2005, at 20:45:54
In reply to Re: the news » TamaraJ, posted by Toph on March 1, 2005, at 20:29:05
I hope you don't think me cold-hearted if I am triggered by this discussion. It is a difficult discussion to have, but I would prefer to have it and to have come to a considered opinion/decision before I am faced with such a situation.
I agree that love and compassion trumps personal/legal/religious opinion. Yes, and as morbid as it may be to some, it is the potential for these types of situations that make living wills all the more important. But, a living will would not have done any good in the case of Sue Rodriguez. Hers was a case of assisted suicide - but it was her decision, made when she was competent and of sound mind.
All human beings should be able to live with dignity and should be able to die, when their time comes, with dignity.
Sorry, I may not be making much sense. It has been a few bad days for me. I'll stop now.
Tamara
> You've obviously given this a lot of thought Tamara. Love and compassion trumps personal/legal/religious opinion in my book every time. But to play devil's advocate, end of life decisions should be determined solely by clear and convincing evidence (to use the legal criteria)of the incapacitated patient's wishes expressly stated while competent. In other words, you and I should determine how we die, not a judge, a politician, a religious zealot, or even a friend, lover or family member - only you for yourself and I, for myself.
>
> Is this a trigger for you Tamara?
>
> Toph
poster:TamaraJ
thread:457210
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/relate/20050212/msgs/465194.html