Should people have the right to die?

Question

If someone of sound mind is in such great pain, and chooses to die. Shouldn't it be legal? Should a doctor, who's bound by the Hippocratic Oath, to do no harm, be forbidden from helping a patient who's only end to pain is death?

Who controls your life, YOU or the Government of others?

Answer 1

I fully beleive that if someone wants to die, they should be able to do it. The governemnt's not going to stop me if I really want to commit suicide. Pain should be able to be stopped -- one way or another. Death is as good a way as others.
By the way...I really wish doctors actually did no harm.

Answer 2

I myself believe that it should be the individuals choice to die not the local, state or federal government. I have witnessed several long painful deaths in which if given the choice the individual would have opted to be euthanized rather than suffer. I don't feel that a Doctor would be so against performing such acts as euthanation if it were legal because in helping someone die in a humane way rather than prolonging a long painful death seems to follow the oath, to do no harm, cause once someone is bnasically sentenced to a death you truly can do no more harm than what nature has already choosen for that individual. The government shouldn't have a say in an individuals suffering but it does and until the day that it is illegal Dr.'s will not perform these proceedures not because of the oath but for the possibilty of losing thier right to practice medicine.

Answer 3

I dislike suicide or anything of that sort, nor would I encourage it or try it EVER. I think there are SO many other ways to find help, and it's just an extreme no one should take.

That said, I don't think it's the government's right to choose in certain cases. For anyone who has seen the movie "Million Dollar Baby", you see how horrible it is to be totally incapable of anything. If that were me, I don't know what I'd do. There are so many different shades of grey on this one.

Answer 4

Yes, most definitely. If you have ever had to watch someone slowly wither away and die because you were not permitted to ease thier pain and sufferring you would know the answer should be yes! We are more merciful to our pets than other human beings.... In some countries it is legal... I truly believe it's an idividual's choice and the government shoudl stay out of it...

Answer 5

Let the person die on their own! Yes i believe that people should have the right to die if they are in pain and dont want to live anymore. A law should be passed about that. It should be legal, saves alot of money with breathing machines (forgot the name of it) and hospital rooms. I dont believe a doctor should kill them, that is taking it to a another level

Answer 6

I agree. Though I do not agree with suicide, due to the selfish nature of it and the effect it has on the remaining family etc, I do support euthanasia. Why should the government control that decision? That is cruel to make a person live on if they're riddled with cancer and in so much pain.

Answer 7

Yes. I've been there, but chose not to. It was a conscious decision on my part. But I did have a DNR.

You forgot insurance companies and Corporate billers. Some businesses make a lot of money off certain diseases and insurance gets to triple, quadruple and even cancel your coverage.

Answer 8

I think death is inevitable, but should come about naturally. I don't like the government taking our money and telling us what to do with our bodies. If death is the only way out...it is that and no one should interfere. I don't trust doctors.

Answer 9

Actually in some states it's legal. Right to death and or life is yours to choose.

Answer 10

I don't think people should be killed by starvation or thirst. That is a hideous death.

If the family wants the patient to die, they should be required to smother him or her with a pillow.