Keeping people suffering and living a little longer makes the drug industry and others massive profits, as someone pointed out in a previous answer. Is that a good reason for depriving euthanasia to Americans, while some other countries show their compassion for those who are suffering?
2007-08-10 13:55:09 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Probably! When my Mom was dying of cancer in 1983 she had a DNR (do not resusitate) order and they brought her back. It took her 15 days to die at a cost of $175,000.00. I told the doctor on her case that they had that order listed with that hospital and that by ignoring that he was taking financial responsibility for her. My attorney made them eat the bill and his fees! My Mom died a horrible death drowning in her own fluids that they suctioned out of her lungs continuely... so it was like drowning over and over again.
2007-08-10 17:07:55 · answer #1 · answered by humanrayc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it has more to do with assisted suicide not being a widely accepted (or desired) practice among Americans. For something like this to get through you'd have the vast majority supporting it.
There's also the slippery slope threat. If we allow assisted suicide for those who are sick and dying, "mercy killings" could become an acceptable practice. At that point other people could decide when it's someone elses time to go. That could then lead to situations like people euthanizing their elderly sick parents to hurry up an inheritance.
My mom has Multiple Sclerosis. Back when the Kevorkian trials were going on she was very scared of the implications if the practice became accepted as a result of his trials. She may eventually get to the point where she's unable to speak, swallow, walk, and suffer a loss of motor skills in her hands, as well as other disabilities. Why it scared her is because she could be one of the people who could be targetted by "mercy killings" if someone decided her life was no longer worth living. No one can decide that.
So no, I don't think it's outlawed in the U.S. because of the medical industry. Here in Canada we have public health care, and it's always bogged down because so many people occupy the hospital beds. Our health care system would benefit greatly by euthanization but we don't allow it either. It's not a matter of dollars, it's a matter of compassion and valuing life.
2007-08-10 21:15:30 · answer #2 · answered by CSE 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you have a good point there....
I always thought that it was outlawed due to the fact that this country is founded on religious (Christian) values that influience the decisions made in our courtrooms.
In a political science class I took in college, two people did a debate about euthanasia. One girl was very liberal and made wonderful arguments FOR euthanasia. The other girl was a strong Christian, and she was very AGAINST euthanasia because she said it was like Doctors and humans playing God. I don't know.
2007-08-10 21:11:51 · answer #3 · answered by country_girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When enough enterprising people figure out how to create a demand for big, showy funerals, along with taped "exits", the law will probably be changed. Right now, in the USA, the trendy thing seems to be "a quiet affair, attended only by members of the family" among celebs.
2007-08-10 21:05:49 · answer #4 · answered by Renata 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there's more to the debate about euthanasia than money and suffering americans.
There are a lot of people against it who don't get rich off of it.
2007-08-10 21:00:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No it is basically about religion. That is why a large portion (maybe the majority?) of Americans do not agree with it and think it should be illegal. Besides, it is against the oath every doctor must take once becoming a doctor.
2007-08-10 20:59:28 · answer #6 · answered by chlaxman17 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am afraid the "Medical" Industry, doesn't think Euthanasia, is ETHICAL...
But these same people have NO TROUBLE
putting their "dog" to sleep, because they are in PAIN...
Something doesn't sound right here...
Someday it will be legal...but for now, we have to watch our loved ones die...
2007-08-10 21:01:38 · answer #7 · answered by Kerilyn 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes. That's the only reasonable explanation that I've come up with.
2007-08-10 20:58:36 · answer #8 · answered by Sloan R 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
U.S.A The home of the sick an land of the sound of sucking money
2007-08-10 20:58:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our own "health-care system" has its own ways of euthanasia.
2007-08-10 20:58:26 · answer #10 · answered by shirleykins 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋