the right to die

Originally Posted by missyorkie_chris

Exactly YC's view. In that situation however it would have to be in agreement with the family as they are the ones who essentially have to make the decision and if they don't like the idea then they won't make that decision.

I hope Maria will take control if anything were to happen; she knows exactly how I want to be treated in the event of me being in a vegetive state (and the same goes if I die, she knows I'm happy to give up all my organs and also my brain to medical research). I'm not sure my family know my wishes.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by missyorkie_chris

Fully grown men who can't move anything but an eye or finger,

That would be plenty for me, just be a dear and point the gun at my head for me would you.

[Ruffy]

Originally Posted by Speedy Claire

The reason I feel that family consent would be best is because of the "after affects". A person's decision to end their life in this manner could leave the family experiencing guilt and could also cause them to question whether they did the right thing. By discussing it openly with the family prior to the act itself then I`d hope that the family would understand the rationale behind the persons decision to end their life and would hopefully alleviate any guilt or indecision that might be felt.

Unfortunately, some people will never understand. This is especially true with mental illness, rather than physical degeneration.

It must remain the individual's right to choose. IMHO, consent should not be required, but it is better if the remaining family is aware. It is the shock of losing someone suddenly that causes the worse grief. When you get time to consider how you are going to carry on, it is easier (but never easy) to deal with the actual loss.

Originally Posted by Speedy Claire

Also the family are going to need to support each other following the assisted suicide as it comes to the attention of the media. The family would all have to be in agreement with the act itself and show a "united front to the media.

I think part of the point is that this shouldn't be such a big deal. There should be no need for media attention.

Originally Posted by Speedy Claire

...I think basically I`ve witnessed so many situations where families disagree and "fall out" with each other as a relatives final moments draw near. I`ve seen family members actually fighting each other because some want their loved ones suffering (or what they perceive as suffering) to stop and other family members want to keep them there for as long as possible. ...

I think this reinforces my point above about getting consent.

I have some personal experience of this: I lost my dad suddenly (heart related) when I was 25, I lost my mum at 30 after a long illness (cancer). I now miss my dad more because I never had the chance to say goodbye. Even though my mum's final deterioration was quite quick, I remain convinced it may have been better to plan the end, rather than randomly wait for the inevitable conclusion without any measure of hope or certainty.

In my time, I have also had the misfortune to wake one night to find a loved one shaking, cradling an overdose quantity of their regular medicine, trying to figure out whether it would be better to go (depression, partly caused by the after effects of surgery that has left a physical infirmity, painful but now essentially static). On that occassion, I persuaded her against it but there are still many ongoing issues and, in dealing with those, we have both openly confessed that we sometimes wonder whether it would have been better if I'd slept through. Maybe there are circumstances where the best answer for those still alive might be to be left behind without the person but without the memories of the suffering?

I am pro assisted suicide, in principle. I believe there are circumstances where it is justifiable. Death will come to us all, eventually, so why can't we have some scope to influence when and how that might be?

Wow, this is unusually public for me, and not easy. If you have read this far, thank you. Like any important issue, please take time to think about it for yourselves.

Originally Posted by Ruffy

Wow, this is unusually public for me, and not easy. If you have read this far, thank you. Like any important issue, please take time to think about it for yourselves.

Thankyou for sharing, a moving read. Very sorry for your loss, never easy.

Yes it was.
Erm as for assisted suicide...it's difficult to agree but I understand that there are people who are suffering needlessly, so in the whole I would have to say "yes".

Ruffy - you've got guts mate, I am so moved by your openness and honesty.

Originally Posted by missyorkie_chris

Thankyou for sharing, a moving read. Very sorry for your loss, never easy.

+ 1

I believe my life is my own to do with as I choose, even end it. It's my choice, nobody elses. That goes for every other individual on this earth.

I can't see the problem with the cases recently either as both cases happened outside of the UK (I think, though please correct me if I'm wrong) so no crime was committed in the UK. How can the CPS/police etc even bring a case to court??

[Ruffy]

Firstly, thanks to those who have responded so kindly to my post. Even though some time has passed since the events in question, your words of support are comforting. I just hope my views on the OP question didn't get lost in the personal stuff.

Originally Posted by phil24_7

I can't see the problem with the cases recently either as both cases happened outside of the UK (I think, though please correct me if I'm wrong) so no crime was committed in the UK. How can the CPS/police etc even bring a case to court??

I think it's probably something to do with helping to make arrangements whilst in the country. The intent whilst here is probably enough to fall foul of the current laws. Thankfully some common sense seems to be prevailing in the authorities.

But no crime was committed in the destination country! I can't honestly see how the UK legal system can come down on people who have committed NO crime in THIS country!

It is not illegal to intend to help someone to commit suicide as far as I am aware?!?!

I f**king hate this country's poor excuse for a legal system/government/parliment.

It is legal to smoke cannabis and pay for sex in Amsterdam so is it illegal for someone in this country to arrange a stag do to Amsterdam with the intent of doing these things???? I would hazard a guess that this would get thrown out of court if it ever got that far, so how is the suicide thing any different?

The mind boggles!