Isn't the withdrawal of life support systems as a last wish in a sense the same as assisted suicide as a last wish?
2007-06-21 13:00:18 · 4 answers · asked by mag64 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I think there's a fine line there. Suicide is usually done for emotional or mental reasons--escaping some heartache, proving something to someone, ducking responsibility--but withdrawal of life support can only come about when there is no more hope for the physical recovery. Suicide is an affront to the Maker, who granted life as His biggest gift, but withdrawal from life support is simply turning it over to Him.
I hope you are not weighing the decision for someone in your life.
2007-06-21 13:08:22 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Indeed it can. This is the main reason many people refuse extraordinary life-saving measures. Once they have been implemented, hospitals can be very reluctant to remove them for fear of legal problems. Patients are often in no condition by this point to express their wishes. This has led to the proliferation of "Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)" orders, Living Wills and similar documents.
2007-06-21 13:09:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, since life support would give you a longer life, even for a day or two, yes. I agree.
2007-06-21 13:06:40 · answer #3 · answered by jacquie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if the person signs an affadavit to this effect when they are still in control of all their faculties.
2007-06-21 13:05:07 · answer #4 · answered by Puzzler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋