Oregon - The Right to Die law upheld

[IHT]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10891536/

notice i didn't say "assisted suicide"?

i've done a speech on this issue, and i'm all for this law that only oregon has passed so far (one of the reasons i want to move there - no joke).

some of you may remember when my dad died in may of '04, he was all jacked up from a few massive storkes (and other issues). one of the answers to my last contest was what my dad told me before he died. "Turn the machines off." if he would've had a little red button on his hospital bed that would've painlessly ended his days, as he was ready to go (kept asking to go), he would've broken his fingers on that thing....

anyway, i know this might bring about some religious discussions, that's cool with me.

if you don't agree with someones stance on this issue, have enough decency to respect their opinion/view.

a few links. trying to dig up the ones i used for my speech that show what "terminology" you use will determine how a vote on the subject will go (assisted suicide vs. right to die).
http://www.dwd.org/
http://www.publicagenda.org/issues/f...type=right2die
http://www.worldrtd.net/news/

[RcktS4]

Originally Posted by IHT

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10891536/

notice i didn't say "assisted suicide"?

i've done a speech on this issue, and i'm all for this law that only oregon has passed so far (one of the reasons i want to move there - no joke).

some of you may remember when my dad died in may of '04, he was all jacked up from a few massive storkes (and other issues). one of the answers to my last contest was what my dad told me before he died. "Turn the machines off." if he would've had a little red button on his hospital bed that would've painlessly ended his days, as he was ready to go (kept asking to go), he would've broken his fingers on that thing....

anyway, i know this might bring about some religious discussions, that's cool with me.

if you don't agree with someones stance on this issue, have enough decency to respect their opinion/view.

I couldn't agree more with this take on things, Greg. (BTW - having lived most of a decade in Oregon, I can say it is a fantastic place to live if you can tolerate the weather). I have been reflecting a lot on these issues lately, and my feeling is that for someone with a terminal, physical condition the dignity of choice regarding their own death is the most fundamental of human rights. I understand some would disagree, but that's my feeling.

Suicide for reasons of mental and emotional illness or dissatisfaction are a completely separate issue as far as I'm concerned.

[IHT]

Originally Posted by RcktS4

Suicide for reasons of mental and emotional illness or dissatisfaction are a completely separate issue as far as I'm concerned.

i totally agree with this.
the oregon law states you have to be "sane" and wait 2 weeks from the time you make your decision (and other things i've forgotten from nearly 2 yrs ago).

[pinokio]

I share the same opinion.

[croatan]

Personally, I have no problem with either term and will use the two interchangeably. Regardless of what it's called, I'm all for it. I personally believe that a person should be able to do whatever the heck he or she wants with his body as long as he or she is not endangering others or somehow infringing on the rights of others. Suicide, whether it be assisted or without help, is A-OK with me.

Now, I don't think they should force doctors to assist in suicides if the doctor doesn't want to or believes it would violate his oath. However, as long as the doctor (or whoever is giving the aid) is cool with it, and the patient is cool with, then I'm cool with it

One question, though: how does this work with life insurance policies that don't pay out in cases of suicide? In some cases, people may have been better off without the "right to die." Before such laws were enacted, doctors were still free to give high doses of morphine to people to "ease their pain" but, in effect, bringing about their early demise (I'm paraphrasing an opinion by justice O'Connor there). So, as long as that was the case, the life insurance companies didn't really have a basis to deny the claim because there was no argument to be made that the person committed suicide--it's illegal and the person just died of "natural causes." So, now that the law is enacted, some families might be deprived of insurance payoffs that they would otherwise be due. I don't know how big of a deal this is, it just crossed my mind.

[galaga]

Originally Posted by RcktS4

............ the dignity of choice regarding their own death is the most fundamental of human rights. I understand some would disagree, but that's my feeling.
.......

Ya can't beat it, but at least allow "the dignity of choice". Look it in the eye and spit in it...... nice post

Originally Posted by croatan

So, now that the law is enacted, some families might be deprived of insurance payoffs that they would otherwise be due. I don't know how big of a deal this is, it just crossed my mind.

Always thinkin.....

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by IHT

i've done a speech on this issue, and i'm all for this law that only oregon has passed so far (one of the reasons i want to move there - no joke).

I agree with the right to die law and wanting to move to Oregon. Been trying to convince the wife to move there.

[Lumpold]

Originally Posted by Jeff

I agree with the right to die law and wanting to move to Oregon. Been trying to convince the wife to move there.

Nah, come to the UK, we might not have the right to die, but we have the right to buy cuban products

On serious note, I think if my nan had the 'right to die' when she has been in hospital recently, she would have taken it... but now shes in a rest home, unable to control herself, speak, or feed herself. Nice.

[partagaspete]

I definately am behind the right to die. I also recommend you get a Living Will. As far as Assisted Suicide...I reallly don't know what to think honestly. This should be an interesting thread though Gregg but I am sure the poo may start to fly on such a topic...happy moderating

T

[The Prince]

Helping people commit suicide and subsequently condemning their souls to hell is a very sad and dark proposition. God never told us or promised us that when life starts to hurt, you can simply kill yourself. Truly a sad day.

[LeafHog]

Originally Posted by The Prince

Helping people commit suicide and subsequently condemning their souls to hell...

Prince, what is this belief based on? I am asking the question honestly, no malice at all, just want to know.

[JezterVA]

Originally Posted by croatan

One question, though: how does this work with life insurance policies that don't pay out in cases of suicide?

On policies that I have read and on policies that I have sold, the suicide clause is only in effect for the first two years of the policy. In other words, you can't go out and insure your life only to go and end it a couple of days later in order to make your heirs rich. After two years however, feel free.

Steve

[RcktS4]

Originally Posted by The Prince

Helping people commit suicide and subsequently condemning their souls to hell is a very sad and dark proposition. God never told us or promised us that when life starts to hurt, you can simply kill yourself. Truly a sad day.

I am extremely concerned about the current trend toward legislating religious values... No offense intended Philip, but I am very wary of those who claim God has directly "told" them anything whatsoever. i certainly understand, and even agree up to a point, with your point of view here, but what we are doing here is allowing each man to have his own free will.

It is interesting to me that the three dissenting judges were also the three who espouse most vehemently the rights of states over federal government. Why would they be the three who would in this case argue toward federal legislation of medicine over state's rights?

I sincerely hope this does not come across offensively to you, as that is truly not my intention.

[RcktS4]

Originally Posted by LeafHog

Prince, what is this belief based on? I am asking the question honestly, no malice at all, just want to know.

In most forms of Christianity, suicide is considered a mortal sin. I believe this is what Philip is referring to.

I believe this is also true in Islam in most circumstances. In most Buddhist and hindu traditions, it is considered extremely detrimental Karma, and is said to result in a very "Low" rebirth.

[croatan]

Originally Posted by JezterVA

On policies that I have read and on policies that I have sold, the suicide clause is only in effect for the first two years of the policy. In other words, you can't go out and insure your life only to go and end it a couple of days later in order to make your heirs rich. After two years however, feel free.

Steve

Interesting. Thanks for the info.