What do you consider a merciful death?
2007-07-05 14:33:48 · 9 answers · asked by Rikki 6 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Not in my opinion. I wrote an article once after having to euthanise my dog. Worst thing I ever had to do in my life. But I work as a nurse and see hundreds of ppl wishing they could be let out of their misery. I think when an individual decides when they no longer have any hope of any sort of quality of life (for me it's when i can't feed myself or wipe my own butt), then they should have the right to do what ever they want. I see a lot of very sad elderly and some even younger.....doctors and invasive tests keeping them going when all they want is peace.
2007-07-05 14:38:56 · answer #1 · answered by bella36 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a tough question you asked because it really does depend on the situation. Some people look at it from a religious aspect and believe that you shouldn't play God, while others think it is what may be best for an animal/person who is in near-death pain. It is not neccesarily fair to say "yes" or "no" without knowing the circumstance. For example, over-crowding in SPCA or Human Societies does not justify euthanasia on an animal that has no apparent medical/health reason but is put to death. In that case, yes, it is wrong...but there is 2 sides to everything.
2007-07-05 21:41:26 · answer #2 · answered by Willis is my cat 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe in nature. If I'm ever hooked up to a life support machine, pull the plug. It's unnatural to have a machine keeping me alive beyond my time. Let me die naturally. However, when it comes to a lethal injection or some other means I don't think that's right because that is unnatural. There is a difference between assisted suicide & just allowing someone to die with dignity. It's a very difficult issue though. I don't think someone should be allowed to suffer great physical pain if they are terminally ill and have no hope of getting better anyway. The merciful thing is to end their pain. We put animals to sleep because we think it's inhumane to let them suffer yet we allow humans to languish in agony...Keeping someone alive who has no quality of life doesn't seem right. Then again taking a life doesn't seem right either. We are not supposed to play God.
No easy answer! It should be up to the individual. You can make a living will that stipulates if you ever reach that point medically that you don't want life support etc...
2007-07-05 21:51:53 · answer #3 · answered by amp 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe in euthanasia 100%. When it is my turn to die I do not want to suffer while hooked up to a machine laying in a bed in the hospital ICU. Doctors cannot help you if you are too far gone, they can only milk the insurance companies for more money to extend the suffering of the terminally ill.
If I had a stockpile of pills that was put aside just for this reason for when the time came for me. I would do it.
Back in 1982, I lost my best friend while in high school to asthma. Kevin suffered from severe attacks on a regular basis and he was on a respirator for 3 long weeks. He just slowly wasted away while the doctors already knew he was brain dead to begin with. VERY SAD!
That is NOT for me......at least not if I can help it!!!
2007-07-05 21:42:59 · answer #4 · answered by maddog 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In a shelter in which they keep the dog for a month, and then realize noone wants it, and then puts it down, YES I do believe that is wrong. I mean just because everyone wants the PERFECT dog is not the dogs fault, that is murder in the cruelest way. A dog that is perfectly in well being, knows what is going on, and just because noone wants it, it gets killed. That's heartless in my mind. Now if you put an animal down that is extremely hurt or dying, that is ok, I believe in that. Don't let it suffer. But euthanasia in a shelter is WRONG!
2007-07-05 21:44:33 · answer #5 · answered by Kane 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Taking lots of pills and going to sleep. If I were suffering a long a painful death I would consider this.
2007-07-05 21:36:29 · answer #6 · answered by Maddy Jinx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its hard to judge consequences to our actions when you try to put them in catagories like "right" and "wrong". Who is qualified to decide what is "right or wrong"? We all are. We all have equal stakes in this world.
I would consider anaesthetic overdose a merciful death.
2007-07-05 23:48:59 · answer #7 · answered by renegadephilosopher 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think euthanasia is wrong. If your terminally ill, I think it is appropriate to end your life on your terms. I think helium asphyxiation is the most peaceful way to end a life.
2007-07-05 21:39:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Merciful yes..
But it is wrong. God gives and takes away life, its not in our hands to do so. So I would never consider it, ever.
2007-07-05 21:36:58 · answer #9 · answered by yournotalone 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋