Discussion The Guardian UK - "I’m glad the debate on assisted dying is forging ahead. But few understand why it frightens so many"

[an_alias]

figured I'd make a discussion thread just to see what people here think about this article:
https://www.theguardian.com/comment...ers-assisted-dying-disabled-people-euthanasia

 

[dggtscccvfd]

The debate is absurd. There's simply no reason why disabled people should feel threatened by legalised dying. Assisted dying should be a right that we all enjoy.

 

[Darkover]

so sick of this shit just fucking give me my right to fucking die i would have left 20 years ago there was never any quality of life here for me

 

[UKscotty]

Depends on the government.

I think it would be extremely high risk with the Tories in charge. They have already driven countless thousands of people to kill themselves. If they also provide a service to carry it out it could be a massacre.

Our country has essentially no suicide prevention and no mental health services unless you can pay private.

I get in principle it's a good idea, but not with our government that actively tries to push the poor and disabled to hang themselves already.

 

[Dot]

Depends on the government.

I think it would be extremely high risk with the Tories in charge. They have already driven countless thousands of people to kill themselves. If they also provide a service to carry it out it could be a massacre.

Our country has essentially no suicide prevention and no mental health services unless you can pay private.

I get in principle it's a good idea, but not with our government that actively tries to push the poor and disabled to hang themselves already.

Fingrs crossd thy r votd out ths yr thn

 

[Linda]

The article highlights a very valid concern about people being pushed into euthanasia without their really wishing to die. I don't know the solution (though I agree that a solution should be sought). But that concern ought to be discussed alongside the fact that everyone was pushed into life without their consent, and that many of us would prefer not to be here. Without striking that balance, the debate is going to be influenced too heavily by the "sanctity of life" viewpoint.

I don't think the way to approach this is by talking in terms of "respect for life". I try to respect all living creatures, human or otherwise, but I don't think "respect for life" is the real issue here. We might do better to think in terms of "respect for people". Respect for the vulnerable members of our society who wish to continue living. And also respect for those members of our society who wish to leave this world. (I am referring, of course, to those who are not acting impulsively).

I might add that I have seen far more respect for people, compassion for people, and genuine empathy here, on this site, than I have seen anywhere else in all my 70 years. There must be a moral there somewhere.

 

[Forever Sleep]

I'm going to be a super selfish bitch here and say- I find it kind of ironic really. It's not only ill or disabled people who want out of this life. I guess it was utterly stupid of me to think they might be offering it to any sound of mind adult that asked for it. Still- brutally and cruelly honestly here. That lady protesting with the sign: 'help us to live, not die.' She's right of course. In an ideal world, that is what should be happening. In a really ideal world though- those able bodied people who don't want to be a part of this system. That don't want to pay into this system shouldn't be forced to either!

I just find it ironic really. Some of us (able bodied people) will be desperate to die but- we're not allowed to (peacefully anyhow.) We have to live and work- if we don't qualify for benefits. Not that we could ever be jealous of the reason disabled people will be offered assisted suicide or benefits (I know that's monstrous) but, I'm sure some of us will be jealous that they have that option. And- whether they choose to use it or, apply for more assistance- we'll be paying for that.

It's not that I want that poor disabled lady to be pushed into suicide rather than providing adequate care for her. I just want the same option she has to opt out. But, because our government can still make money from me- although, not much! I'm hardly a financial success, I, and people like me won't be allowed to leave. What is that if it isn't slavery? But in any case, maybe it won't come about at all.

I think that article has a point though. I think our governments are ruthless. That said, they don't need an assisted suicide programme to cut benefits. They have years of experience cutting benefits. They're experts! Honestly though, I'm not even convinced it's about us 'little people' anyway. So long as they can turn a profit individually, I reckon our MP's will go with whatever makes them personally the most money. Maybe some assisted suicide franchise just needs to make it worth their while...

 

[lifewasawillowtv]

Fingrs crossd thy r votd out ths yr thn

Even if they are voted out I highly doubt it would change anything. The tories, Labour and everyone else in between just care about power at the end of the day. They make all these empty promises to improve things just so they can be elected but when they're actually elected deliver on none of those promises. Imo I think we're screwed no matter of who's voted in because all politicians regardless of political party are the same and have the same agenda. Or maybe that's just my cynical nature.

I'm going to be a super selfish bitch here and say- I find it kind of ironic really. It's not only ill or disabled people who want out of this life. I guess it was utterly stupid of me to think they might be offering it to any sound of mind adult that asked for it. Still- brutally and cruelly honestly here. That lady protesting with the sign: 'help us to live, not die.' She's right of course. In an ideal world, that is what should be happening. In a really ideal world though- those able bodied people who don't want to be a part of this system. That don't want to pay into this system shouldn't be forced to either!

I just find it ironic really. Some of us (able bodied people) will be desperate to die but- we're not allowed to (peacefully anyhow.) We have to live and work- if we don't qualify for benefits. Not that we could ever be jealous of the reason disabled people will be offered assisted suicide or benefits (I know that's monstrous) but, I'm sure some of us will be jealous that they have that option. And- whether they choose to use it or, apply for more assistance- we'll be paying for that.

It's not that I want that poor disabled lady to be pushed into suicide rather than providing adequate care for her. I just want the same option she has to opt out. But, because our government can still make money from me- although, not much! I'm hardly a financial success, I, and people like me won't be allowed to leave. What is that if it isn't slavery? But in any case, maybe it won't come about at all.

I think that article has a point though. I think our governments are ruthless. That said, they don't need an assisted suicide programme to cut benefits. They have years of experience cutting benefits. They're experts! Honestly though, I'm not even convinced it's about us 'little people' anyway. So long as they can turn a profit individually, I reckon our MP's will go with whatever makes them personally the most money. Maybe some assisted suicide franchise just needs to make it worth their while...

It's ironic to me how some people feel "pressured" into opting for assisted dying meanwhile those of us who actually want such an opportunity are being pressured to live. As the article says, when physically disabled people die everyone thinks it's "probably for the best", yet god forbid a mentally ill person wanting to die, that situation is only met with outrage and incredulity. I'm so so sick of it. Mental illness is just as debilitating as physically illnesses, I don't know how many times I'll have to say it for people to accept it and realise it's true. The sad truth is that only those of us who actually experience mental illness and have to live with it day in and day out, act "normal" otherwise we are seen as social outcasts, only those of us suffering truly know how bad it is.

 

[losing hope]

Even if assisted dying came to the UK. Imagine all the red tape, hoops and paperwork the likes of us would have to get through to get our desire. As I'm able to, I think it's much easier just to fly to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside & OD on H, F or whatever else is going that day;

Also I'd rather give my final pounds to a drug dealer than the UK gov. I've certainly been screwed less than drug dealers, and that is saying something!

 

[Rational man]

Yes, UK media covering today, whilst thousands of people who wanted to live have died prematurely of starvation, wars and illness and homelessness, that could have been fixed / treated. But yes our so called leaders can turn a blind eye, desperate to appear on TV..The vanity and incompetence is breathtakingly staggering. Just to add too, the clergy maybe wheeled out, the usual suspects of course, eager to save the dying so we can witness the dying suffer just a tad more.