L
LaughingGoat
Mage
- Apr 11, 2024
- 594
I see a lot of perseverating on the fact that euthanasia isn't an offered or accessible service, but I don't think it is something that we can or should expect as owed to us from others. Firstly, the act of killing someone else shouldn't be a burden placed on another person and it is not within the limits of a person's rights to autonomy to force someone else to offer it. Secondly, I often read statements from people who continue to struggle in existence, desiring an external death so strongly that it seemingly paralyzes them into inaction. While I certainly understand the desire there and the possible obstacle of SI, that doesn't mean that it is owed to us.
Now before I get accused of being "pro-life" or against the access of assisted suicide methods, I've said here multiple times that if it wasn't illegal and prosecutable as murder, I would willingly and actively offer without charge and perform the act of euthanasia on people who were seeking it. That's even considered an extreme view on here by many so hopefully that makes it clear I'm not anti-suicide, just against pushing off the responsibility of our own death onto other people. Someone could make a logical argument that your parents owe you death since they gave you life and I don't disagree with that, it's just not going to happen so one is best pursuing realistic ways to end their suffering. I also need to acknowledge there is a very small amount of people who are suffering from debilitating physical disabilities that would prevent them from any form of suicide, that's an exception to what I'm discussing here.
Edit: I wanted to add an edit to the end of the OP for anyone coming across it summarizing some of the good counter points people made on this post that provide a different perspective. I have not removed any of the original content. Also wanted to acknowledge that much of the difference in perspective between myself and some commentators comes down to how I view things in one's control and the productive response to lack of access being utilizing available and effective methods of suicide. That being said, I recognize that is my personal view and does not equate to some inherent or objective truth, respecting that others can and do hold varied points of view relevant to the lack of access to euthanasia.
Notable counter points that have been supported well by users in the thread:
Now before I get accused of being "pro-life" or against the access of assisted suicide methods, I've said here multiple times that if it wasn't illegal and prosecutable as murder, I would willingly and actively offer without charge and perform the act of euthanasia on people who were seeking it. That's even considered an extreme view on here by many so hopefully that makes it clear I'm not anti-suicide, just against pushing off the responsibility of our own death onto other people. Someone could make a logical argument that your parents owe you death since they gave you life and I don't disagree with that, it's just not going to happen so one is best pursuing realistic ways to end their suffering. I also need to acknowledge there is a very small amount of people who are suffering from debilitating physical disabilities that would prevent them from any form of suicide, that's an exception to what I'm discussing here.
Edit: I wanted to add an edit to the end of the OP for anyone coming across it summarizing some of the good counter points people made on this post that provide a different perspective. I have not removed any of the original content. Also wanted to acknowledge that much of the difference in perspective between myself and some commentators comes down to how I view things in one's control and the productive response to lack of access being utilizing available and effective methods of suicide. That being said, I recognize that is my personal view and does not equate to some inherent or objective truth, respecting that others can and do hold varied points of view relevant to the lack of access to euthanasia.
Notable counter points that have been supported well by users in the thread:
- The lack of access to what is viewed as a peaceful method is robbing people of a dignified and tranquil end to their suffering, forcing them to utilize methods that are deemed violent, possibly risky, and inhumane.
- Governments around the world have typically made legislation that prevents people's access to certain forms of suicide and have not provided sufficient support for those that are suffering. They therefore do have the direct responsibility to provide people an end to their suffering.
- Some people are unable to overcome the hurdle of SI and commit the act themselves. They therefore should be provided an avenue of death in a way that is conducive to their situation.
- Doctors and medical providers provide palliative care to people with all sorts of terminal illnesses, so the lack of it for illnesses and situations resulting in mental anguish that is severe enough for one to desire suicide is inhumane.
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