http://news10.com/2016/07/19/14-year-old-wisconsin-girl-makes-decision-to-die/
I would apply the same reasoning to this situation as to a person who is not disabled.
I am a member of EXIT and agree with its ethics.
I favour legal, carefully and strictly supervised euthanasia
when there is pain that cannot be remedied by drugs (5% of all severe pain conditions),
when a terminal disease has reached a point where the loss of quality of life is unendurable
or when a person is in a vegetative state, unconscious, and unable to recover.
I have worked as a volunteer with quadriplegics.
The slowly deteriorating health conditions are heart-breaking to watch and smell.
It is very easy to see why such conditions can cause suicidal depression.
And yet, the same still applies as to non-disabled people.
Most depression can be successfully treated with the right mix of therapies and, if necessary, drugs.
It is still possible to find joy, purpose and fulfillment in life even with severe disabilities.
Oh wow. She's so young. She isn't just disabled. She's in constant pain and isn't going to get better. I think it's cruel to prolong her suffering if she wants to go. There are other disabilities that aren't like that, so I don't have a firm stance across the board, but in her case, it's very sad.
No. It should not. Why do they want to die? Being disabled does not merit dying. It merits an attitude adjustment. People who are blind do not kill themselves over it unless they have severe depression That needs to be addressed and taken care of. Then the desire to die fades when hope is renewed. Suicide is the belief that there is no hope. Only someone in chronic dire pain that is not going to go away, should have that choice. Most everything else is cured with time. That is life. We live and grow and learn and the most hideous trials often bear the greatest rewards. That which does not kill us, oftentimes brings release from former worries over what really matters in life.
DJAM - please read what's below the question and check out the link offered by grilledcheesegirl -
http://news10.com/2016/07/19/14-year-old-wisconsin-girl-makes-decis...
I think she addressed that with "Only someone in chronic dire pain that is not going to go away, should have that choice."
You're right JA. I spoke inappropriately.
To DJAM, I apologise.
Poor girl. Life can be oh-so-cruel sometimes. :(
Suicide hasn't been a criminal offence here since 1961, so it's already allowed. There are penalties for aiding and assisting however, and I believe these should remain essentially unchanged. That would include the possible reasons for not prosecuting.
From https://www.cps.gov.uk/publications/prosecution/assisted_suicide_policy.html
I totally agree with this post.
I'm torn on this matter. I have been disabled (although not severely ) since birth. I lived through the struggles and came out stronger because of it.
BUT, this last year I was diagnosed with COPD, although it is not severe enough to need oxygen or a respirator, unless I become ill and cannot breathe. But, I do know COPD can get very serious.
Life is precious and worth fighting for, BUT if I ever needed to be on a machine to breathe for me for an extended time or one to keep me alive I would rather my family let me go in peace.
I have discussed this with my family so they will not be burdened with making the choice. My Living Will says it all.
My heart for you. I understand. Tears rolling.
Certainly. Forcing life (or extending) upon a human being is evil, when you do so with no consent.
Sure. It´s the person´s life. If she/he feels is impossible to go on living under those circumstances they should be able to decide when to end it.