Following my comment about being opposed to the assisted Dying Bill Stu asked, "If heaven's so great why do you want to stop people going there?"
The same reason I don't want to go there: it's not time. My concern is that elderly people will feel obliged. They won't want to be a nuisance. And I have no doubt that there would be some unscrupulous children who would put the pressure on.
And I do understand some people in dreadful pain or incapacitated will genuinely want to choose their own time, but many experts say this bill is being rushed through, and needs more thought, and that palliative care in this country needs investment. It shouldn't have to rely so much on charities.
When my uncle died he was ready. He said several times he wanted to die. He had lost his mobility and freedom, and for a man who drove to Italy for Younger Son's wedding only a few years earlier, this was a big deal.
He did his last confession - or whatever it is the Catholics do with the priest before they die - and gave up. He was bed-ridden at the end, unconscious and incontinent. As I sat with him at night I prayed with all my heart that God would take him peacefully and quickly so he could have his wish.
He was fortunate in that he wasn't like that for too long, only a few days; maybe if it had been prolonged I would have a better understanding. If I had had power of attorney for health would I have been able to make the decision to end his life? Certainly not for the time he was like that, but if it had been longer, would I, could I?
I can't imagine it, but if the doctors advised it then I guess I would have. I pray I never have to make that decision.
A slightly different situation. I remember, many years ago, being in the car following another car that had the bumper sticker, 'If abortion had been legal then would you be here.'
I like to think I would but my unmarried mother's life would have been much easier if I hadn't been born. As I say, I think she would have said no to abortion, but who knows what pressure would have been put on her as I'm sure it still is sometimes on young women.
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| Uncle and his friend, Margaret, at Younger Son's wedding in 2012 |
8 comments:
My thoughts about assisted suicide like the FAIR act in Canada is that they begin small (only for unbearable pain, no cure possible, etc.) but they grow as every bureaucracy grows. There are examples in Canada of people calling in for help (needing a wheelchair ramp etc.) and bureaucrats telling them about assisted suicide. Yikes. The people should be helped instead of that offered.
There were four examples, all from a single VA employee, condemned instantly by the VA and Trudeau. The VA pointed out it had no authority in that area, and undertook to make sure it never happened again.
I personally am against assisted death, but I've also never been in the situation where it would have been a welcome option.
Such a difficult issue. I don’t know if I would want assistance in dying or not. I guess it would depend on the circumstances. So tough for family!
Not a fan of assisted dying. You start something like that then where does it end. I can't help but wonder how many more teen suicides there would be.
I am in favour of assisted death, being someone who has had a life changing injury.. and I struggle every day to do the simplest of things. I couldn't live without my husband's help.
Call yourself merciful? But won't even help a final-sufferer who needs the help? Just because YOU think it is not time? Their wish does not count? That's not very Xian of you.
Who said I wouldn't? I have never been in the position - and wouldn't want to be.
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