Assisted Suicide - Thoughts?

[sleepyghost]

Curious on what everyone's thoughts are on the matter:

Should Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia be legal everywhere?

If so:
How would you determine eligibility?
Would there be physical requirements? Psychological requirements?
Age limitations?
Restrictions around ability status or pain level?
Would it cost money? How much? Should insurance companies pay? And for those who need extra medical care over their lifespan, should euthanasia be offered as a cheaper alternative? Should/could it be incentivized in cost effective situations?

What do you think would be some of the benefits or drawbacks to the parameters you deem appropriate?

I'd really love to see an intelligent discussion take place on this, as it's something I've entertained myself with theorizing over the years.

Welcoming all thoughts and views in response, everyone will have their own opinion, please be respectful of each other.

 

[SuicideBoys93]

How would I determine eligibility?Individuals suffering from fatal incurable diseases. Like when my grandmother was given six months to live because of cancer. I believe she should of been able to choose to go on her own terms. She ended up living for about three more years after the diagnosis. I'm probably not going to get a lot of love for this answer, but I don't believe those fed up with life should have access to the resource. If they start allowing individuals like me to go through the service, it feels like they'll be deemed executioners. But I did see a short documentary of a healthy woman well into her 100s use assisted suicide. It's a tough debate. I'm for assisted suicide, but I don't believe a healthy 20yr old should be able to have access when it's proven brains are not fully developed until 25, thus insinuating one could make a irrational decision by utilizing an assisted suicide resource.

I was one of those there's no options left for me type of individuals when I attempted to kill myself. There were plenty of options, I was just too scared to open up to the right people about my thoughts in my head to obtain the appropriate help. I sat through many therapy sessions knowing I was planning to my kill myself and every time I saw or was asked if I felt like hurting myself what do you think I checked? I checked no. Afraid of how I would be perceived and ultimately was robbing myself of help. It took being the cat was finally out of the bag after an attempt to get help when all I could of done was spoken up. That's my biggest piece of advice to people who feel as if nobody cares or there's no help. Have you been upfront and truthful about the thoughts swirling around in your head? Life may suck, but there's been moments I've cherished post-attempt that I would of never experienced had I been successful.

In short, leave the assisted suicide to those with death sentences via diseases that would like to go on their own terms instead of a nasty painful disease withering away their own bodies.

 

[solisoccasus]

How would I determine eligibility?Individuals suffering from fatal incurable diseases. Like when my grandmother was given six months to live because of cancer. I believe she should of been able to choose to go on her own terms. She ended up living for about three more years after the diagnosis. I'm probably not going to get a lot of love for this answer, but I don't believe those fed up with life should have access to the resource. If they start allowing individuals like me to go through the service, it feels like they'll be deemed executioners. But I did see a short documentary of a healthy woman well into her 100s use assisted suicide. It's a tough debate. I'm for assisted suicide, but I don't believe a healthy 20yr old should be able to have access when it's proven brains are not fully developed until 25, thus insinuating one could make a irrational decision by utilizing an assisted suicide resource.

I was one of those there's no options left for me type of individuals when I attempted to kill myself. There were plenty of options, I was just too scared to open up to the right people about my thoughts in my head to obtain the appropriate help. I sat through many therapy sessions knowing I was planning to my kill myself and every time I saw or was asked if I felt like hurting myself what do you think I checked? I checked no. Afraid of how I would be perceived and ultimately was robbing myself of help. It took being the cat was finally out of the bag after an attempt to get help when all I could of done was spoken up. That's my biggest piece of advice to people who feel as if nobody cares or there's no help. Have you been upfront and truthful about the thoughts swirling around in your head? Life may suck, but there's been moments I've cherished post-attempt that I would of never experienced had I been successful.

In short, leave the assisted suicide to those with death sentences via diseases that would like to go on their own terms instead of a nasty painful disease withering away their own bodies.

I agree but on the part on opening up, It seems unnew. I'vee tried opening to my closest friends but none of them ever understood so until now, they don't know that i'm still suffering. I think its good to give that to those with no hopes to live anymore. I mean they're just living because of the need but its not like they still want.

 

[VoidDesirer22]

But I did see a short documentary of a healthy woman well into her 100s use assisted suicide. It

How healthy could she be if she's that old? You don't think her body ached terribly?

Don't people's backs tend to give out even at like 50? Like in terms of recurring pains there.

but I don't believe a healthy 20yr old should be able to have access when it's proven brains are not fully developed until 25,

Depression is not healthy. But the idea is that it'll pass or whatever.

Maybe if someone has dealt with depression for 10 years + and has tried a list of medication, then they should be able to be euthanized. That would give the family a kick to help out too, I imagine. Like there's a deadline to attend to. No fucking around allowed.

 

[AnestheticVoid]

I think every adult should have the choice to end their own lives if they choose to. I don't believe that a terminal illness even needs to be present. If we own nothing in this world we own the meat that's packing our bones.

 

[Blondi]

Should Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia be legal everywhere?

Yes

How would you determine eligibility?

Depends if it's a state sponsored or a private institution , but generally a mental stability certificate would be sufficient.

Age limitations?

If one has incurable disease - no. If you want to die because of other reasons -16

Restrictions around ability status or pain level?

No , but a person suffering should be given priority over a healthy person (if public).

Would it cost money?

If its private - yes , if it's public - no.

And for those who need extra medical care over their lifespan, should euthanasia be offered as a cheaper alternative

Only as a choice.

Should/could it be incentivized in cost effective situations?

No

What do you think would be some of the benefits or drawbacks to the parameters you deem appropriate?

I don't think it has drawbacks.

 

[AnestheticVoid]

Yes

Depends if it's a state sponsored or a private institution , but generally a mental stability certificate would be sufficient.

So you think mentally unstable people should be forced to live? I don't understand.

 

[Blondi]

So you think mentally unstable people should be forced to live? I don't understand.

Definition of a mental instability probably differs between you and me. Could you give me a specific example of what you consider mental instability to be?

 

[FuneralCry]

I think that assisted suicide should be legal everywhere for everyone. Nobody should be forced to live against their wishes. A peaceful suicide should be a human right, no one should have to resort to risky methods that can fail. People should be able to ctb without all the secrecy and the chance of being found too early. I wish we lived in a society where our right to die is respected, all life is meaningless after all, it is just a pointless experience that we go through for the sake of it. It is our life and our decision, none of us asked to exist in the first place.

 

[sleepyghost]

I think that legalization would obviously have to come with quite a few "terms and conditions"

The human brain is not fully developed until age 25, so I think this would be a decent age requirement for that anyone who isn't in a severe situation (debilitating health issues)

Mental stability is a complicated one- perhaps being able to determine that
1. This person is able to understand the process and the result
2. This person is capable of offering consent to proceed
And
Perhaps there could be a timeframe for regularly checking in to ensure the answer does not change. (To protect people living with any range of DID, Schizophrenia, delusional thinking, manic or depressive states etc) My concern would be that a small part of a person would wish to proceed though the entire human may not. Like in DID- should the whole system be required to consent? A majority vote?

Should anyone, in any situation, require a "character witness" ie someone who has known the person for long enough to be able to essentially testify for the persons intention?
As far as benefits:

-State/Insurance Companies could potentially save money (Paying for euthanasia once vs paying for healthcare/meds/testing over a natural lifetime)
-If wide-scale approval occurred, there's a chance this could decrease population by a small percentage. This means that more resources would be available to those who desire their lives. Less patients in clinics and hospitals allowing for more thorough medical care, etc.
-If a more severe population change occurred (unlikely), could reduce demand enough to lower cost on most things worldwide leading to an increase in resources for those working to get out of poverty and housing/job availability for homeless population.

Drawbacks
-Less people working and paying taxes could strain national budget (but less people utilizing resources may balance?-perhaps rich people can pay more to be euthanized or be required to have a higher percentage of assets taxed before will is actioned)
-legal implications from family members who don't approve (will families try to lie about persons ability to consent? What safeguards can be taken to protect the organization offering euthanasia from money hungry survivors?)

What I have isn't curable OR terminal but I'd be accepted by Dignitas.

Would love to know more about your condition - feel free to message me if you're interested in sharing privately

But why spend $12k jumping through hoops and a flight o couldn't tolerate when I can have a peaceful death at home?

Is $12k the cost of using Dignitas or is that cost+flight+additional

If they start allowing individuals like me to go through the service, it feels like they'll be deemed executioners.

Do you think that if there was a "program" to complete for people who were "done living" it would support in these situations? Perhaps it could include some combo of testing and therapy over the course of a few months to ensure that the decision is fully understood and fully desired?

 

[Blondi]

The human brain is not fully developed until age 25,

Disagree , human intelligence peaks at 18 . After that you start getting demented(at least according to this article)

The ages you're the smartest at everything throughout your life

At almost any given age, most of us are getting better at some things and worse at others. We're the best at math at age 50, on average.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[sleepyghost]

Disagree , human intelligence peaks at 18 . After that you start getting demented(at least according to this article)

The ages you're the smartest at everything throughout your life

At almost any given age, most of us are getting better at some things and worse at others. We're the best at math at age 50, on average.

www.businessinsider.com

A welcome addition and an excellent read!
Thank you!
Somewhat related- Perhaps a lower level of intelligence preserves the desire to live. The old "Ignorance is bliss" argument may at times prevail. I wonder if there is a perfect balance of awareness that could be achieved to support the continuation of an individuals life. I know I'd volunteer for a sort of "diet lobotomy" if it would bring me some comfort lol

 

[dropintheocean]

What I have isn't curable OR terminal but I'd be accepted by Dignitas.

Quality of life. If there is none, I think a peaceful exit, the kind we allow our pets but not other people, should be an option.

I hate that I have to end this. Alone. But why spend $12k jumping through hoops and a flight o couldn't tolerate when I can have a peaceful death at home?

May I ask if you were accepted by dignitas or some other vad clinic?

 

[Al Cappella]

Yes, it should be legal. But it should not be handed out like Pez, there should be an established need—not just want. Need might be broadened once a person has reached their later years—75, day, just to pick a number. Conversely, the younger a person, the greater the requirement to establish need.

All that said, there is no perfect system here, and there won't ever be one. The important bit is to try and intervene (help) those whose difficulties stem from distorted thinking.

 

[Xanabby]

Curious on what everyone's thoughts are on the matter:

Should Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia be legal everywhere?

If so:
How would you determine eligibility?
Would there be physical requirements? Psychological requirements?
Age limitations?
Restrictions around ability status or pain level?
Would it cost money? How much? Should insurance companies pay? And for those who need extra medical care over their lifespan, should euthanasia be offered as a cheaper alternative? Should/could it be incentivized in cost effective situations?

What do you think would be some of the benefits or drawbacks to the parameters you deem appropriate?

I'd really love to see an intelligent discussion take place on this, as it's something I've entertained myself with theorizing over the years.

Welcoming all thoughts and views in response, everyone will have their own opinion, please be respectful of each other.

I really wish it was legal and available everywhere yes. I think it would be real hard to make it free tho. In Switzerland it cost very expensive so I've seen. How ironic that it's so expensive to die
I wonder, if it was free and available everywhere, how many people would just disappear ? The whole world would be changed because maybe it wouldn't be so overpopulated.

 

[symphony]

1. Should Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia be legal everywhere?
2. How would you determine eligibility?
3. Would there be physical requirements? Psychological requirements?
4. Age limitations?
5. Restrictions around ability status or pain level?
6. Would it cost money? How much? Should insurance companies pay?
7. And for those who need extra medical care over their lifespan, should euthanasia be offered as a cheaper alternative? Should/could it be incentivized in cost effective situations?

1. Yes, the access to a painless, easy end to life in the face of hopeless suffering should be a human right.
2. The individual seeking assisted suicide should be trapped in life circumstances (likely due to illness but not necessarily) that cause significant suffering with no real chance of circumstances improving given available options. If there are reasonably available options that could be reasonably expected to improve the circumstances short of death, the individual should be required to pursue those routes first.
3. No. The subjective experience of unbearable suffering and objective reality of hopelessness for change are enough.
4. No, this should be available for everyone, although more scrutiny should be given to cases where the individual is thought to not be capable of thinking rationally due to age, disability, or other factors.
5. No, the individual's subjective experience of unbearable pain is enough, though they should be able and willing to testify to doctors about the reasons for and extent of their suffering.
6. Requiring individuals to pay for medical services beyond their means is always immoral. Although there would necessarily be a cost for someone to pay. Perhaps individuals should pay to the extent they are able, leaving a reasonable amount of money to their inheritors, and private insurance or the government should pay the rest. There is an ethical question about requiring others to pay for someone's suicide, but the alternative would lock individuals without the means to pay out of assisted suicide, and that's not an alternative we should seriously consider.
7. No. Firstly, the financial burden of those more expensive treatments shouldn't fall on the individual to begin with. Secondly, encouraging suicide lessens the role of choice and agency an individual holds over their own life and death decisions, and is thus always immoral.