Discussion Would protesting for a right to die law work?

[Ardesevent]

After the BLM protests are over, do you think it would affect anything if a right-to-die protest took place? Maybe protesting against hospitalization for suicide attempts, or for the creation of a euthanasia clinic?
At the very least, it would probably draw a lot of attention to the right to die. A protest like this probably seems foreign to a lot of people, so a lot of news channels would probably report on it.
It seems like pro-lifers are everywhere on the internet, but I've seen quite a few popular posts on social media where a lot of people seem neutral. Some of those people might actually feel sympathy and start supporting us if we can get our story out there.
But it doesn't seem like anything's coming from the BLM protests, so maybe peaceful protesting doesn't work in general.

 

[not-2-b-the-answer]

I don't think it would work. Also even getting people to show up for a protest for the right to die would be difficult. I think people might be afraid of putting a target on them for wanting to die. Maybe there would be some people who just support the right to die ... I don't know.
Until the religious freaks are out of power it's not going to happen and maybe not even then. At least not in the U.S.

 

[MartyByrde]

After the BLM protests are over, do you think it would affect anything if a right-to-die protest took place? Maybe protesting against hospitalization for suicide attempts, or for the creation of a euthanasia clinic?
At the very least, it would probably draw a lot of attention to the right to die. A protest like this probably seems foreign to a lot of people, so a lot of news channels would probably report on it.
It seems like pro-lifers are everywhere on the internet, but I've seen quite a few popular posts on social media where a lot of people seem neutral. Some of those people might actually feel sympathy and start supporting us if we can get our story out there.
But it doesn't seem like anything's coming from the BLM protests, so maybe peaceful protesting doesn't work in general.

The BLM protests are producing results. Officers have been arrested, police departments disbanded, unprecedented corporate support for Black people reflected in many ways, and policing reform legislation being proposed at the federal level. That's just to mention a few things. Not bad considering the few weeks we've been having protests.

 

[TAW122]

I have to agree with @not-2-b-the-answer here. We are one of the most marginalized and persecuted groups in the world, not just limited to the US. I don't recall where I heard such a quote before, but it was something along the lines of "suicide/death is the last taboo in society" meaning that it's one of the last prohibited, forbidden topics that are discussed in society. That tangent aside, I would say that it took many decades before abortion got legalized (and even then, there are many states that try to introduce their own laws to rollback some of the changes by the legalization).

To answer the question though, I'd say our best chance to getting a right to die law would have to start with laws that allow terminally ill to have a dignified death. Most (reasonable and rational) people would agree or at least acknowledge that someone suffering immensely should be let go or given a peaceful exit. After more states start to adopt death with dignity laws and then soon expand it to cover chronic suffering (which is a tall order to achieve), then we may have a chance to see our end goal, which is voluntary euthanasia (right or freedom of choice of one's life - whether to live or die).

 

[Marktheghost]

I think it would be worth a try.

 

[ugly_loser2008]

id go for a pro-suicide protest.

 

[Despondent]

id go for a pro-suicide protest.

I'm intrigued. What does that look like to you?

 

[Baguette]

I have to agree with @not-2-b-the-answer here. We are one of the most marginalized and persecuted groups in the world, not just limited to the US. I don't recall where I heard such a quote before, but it was something along the lines of "suicide/death is the last taboo in society" meaning that it's one of the last prohibited, forbidden topics that are discussed in society. That tangent aside, I would say that it took many decades before abortion got legalized (and even then, there are many states that try to introduce their own laws to rollback some of the changes by the legalization).

To answer the question though, I'd say our best chance to getting a right to die law would have to start with laws that allow terminally ill to have a dignified death. Most (reasonable and rational) people would agree or at least acknowledge that someone suffering immensely should be let go or given a peaceful exit. After more states start to adopt death with dignity laws and then soon expand it to cover chronic suffering (which is a tall order to achieve), then we may have a chance to see our end goal, which is voluntary euthanasia (right or freedom of choice of one's life - whether to live or die).

I can see the controversies around letting people with depression have the right to die as the critics would just say it's a 'temporary problem' but I don't understand how anyone can be against assisted dying for the terminally ill(cancer, MS etc) it's so cruel and unnecessary. If I had the misfortune to be diagnosed with MS I would have to suffer for months/years losing control of my own bodily functions before dying anyway and for what? Why is anyone against it?

 

[Inferdan]

This is something that would have to start off small. Can't just go out with signs and start demanding the right to die. Something like that would not only be a lot of effort for the protestors (which would majorly consist of people such as ourselves), but the subject of it would only be seen by others as, well, any other person would to an individual of SS: to be sent to the hospital and therapy for pills and talking. No, this has to begin small. For example, people in critical conditions with a very high risk of never recovering or will die in days, of not, weeks should be able to request to be euthanised. That is a potential way to kick things off, before moving on for other demands.

A potential issue with that is people will probably fatally wound themselves so that they can get this euthanasia, which would most likely make the whole thing backfire, so it should only apply to those of age and sickness. These are just suggestions and thoughts, not "how they should be". Hopefully it'll further the discussion and spark ideas

 

[Brick In The Wall]

Protests don't work anymore unless you loot and burn things down.

 

[Deleted member 17949]

No, because society sees death being bad as a fundamental non-negotiable part of life.

 

[TAW122]

I can see the controversies around letting people with depression have the right to die as the critics would just say it's a 'temporary problem' but I don't understand how anyone can be against assisted dying for the terminally ill(cancer, MS etc) it's so cruel and unnecessary. If I had the misfortune to be diagnosed with MS I would have to suffer for months/years losing control of my own bodily functions before dying anyway and for what? Why is anyone against it?

Exactly, this is why the right to die and death with dignity should be extended to those who have chronic, permanent conditions, not just those who are terminally ill. As far as I know, only The Netherlands, Switzerland, and Belgium, some of the countries with the most permissive and advanced laws with respect to euthanasia would allow chronic suffering (not just the terminally ill) to be able to end one's life. The dilemma for a foreigner however is that only Dignitas (maybe Pegasos) will allow a foreigner to use their services if they meet strict criteria and basically have to be sick enough to qualify but not too sick to make the trip, that is a really difficult condition to fulfill. In short, I agree with you.

This is something that would have to start off small. Can't just go out with signs and start demanding the right to die. Something like that would not only be a lot of effort for the protestors (which would majorly consist of people such as ourselves), but the subject of it would only be seen by others as, well, any other person would to an individual of SS: to be sent to the hospital and therapy for pills and talking. No, this has to begin small. For example, people in critical conditions with a very high risk of never recovering or will die in days, of not, weeks should be able to request to be euthanised. That is a potential way to kick things off, before moving on for other demands.

A potential issue with that is people will probably fatally wound themselves so that they can get this euthanasia, which would most likely make the whole thing backfire, so it should only apply to those of age and sickness. These are just suggestions and thoughts, not "how they should be". Hopefully it'll further the discussion and spark ideas

Right and as for the death with dignity groups, even though they mostly vouch for terminally ill patients (stage III/IV cancer and what not) with less than 6 months to live and what not, the next thing is to get them to expand death with dignity for those who are chronically ill, permanently disabled with low quality of life. If they can extend it to more than just 'terminally ill' then that is enough progress to go to other things. As far as people intentionally maiming themselves to get euthanasia, I believe to minimize that it would require the person to be of sound mind, policies and safeguards put into place as to who can and can't qualify for such services, this could be psychological screening, age, condition, and/or other requirements and prerequisites to be met before they can proceed.

 

[SpottedPanda]

There are already people campaigning for this, without any success. I just don't think the movement would be big enough, to warrant sufficient support.

 

[gnomeboy17]

A lot of people probably do agree with euthanasia, but not enough for a full on protest like BLM, maybe have a look at countries that do allow it and see what made them decide. Eg, was their a petition from constituents?

 

[not-2-b-the-answer]

Protests don't work anymore unless you loot and burn things down.

Sooo .... I should burn a Wendy's down with myself inside it ???

 

[Brick In The Wall]

Sooo .... I should burn a Wendy's down with myself inside it ???

Not the Wendy's! That's my favorite fast food spot!

 

[not-2-b-the-answer]

Not the Wendy's! That's my favorite fast food spot!

I wouldn't worry ... it wouldn't be any near you.

 

[Brick In The Wall]

I wouldn't worry ... it wouldn't be any near you.

lol, hey man, I need you around here too!

 

[not-2-b-the-answer]

lol, hey man, I need you around here too!

I would worry ... I'm too much of a coward.

 

[Ardesevent]

The BLM protests are producing results. Officers have been arrested, police departments disbanded, unprecedented corporate support for Black people reflected in many ways, and policing reform legislation being proposed at the federal level. That's just to mention a few things. Not bad considering the few weeks we've been having protests.

That's good to hear. I'm glad that at least some progress is being made.

A lot of people probably do agree with euthanasia, but not enough for a full on protest like BLM, maybe have a look at countries that do allow it and see what made them decide. Eg, was their a petition from constituents?

Petitions don't really work. From what I can tell, most countries that approved euthanasia only did it after either a doctor took matters into their own hands gave it to someone, or someone took their case of being denied euthanasia to the Supreme Court. If a case gained momentum or tales of someone terminally ill dying painfully after being denied euthanasia got around the internet, it could get a lot of people to realize protests are necessary.

There are already people campaigning for this, without any success. I just don't think the movement would be big enough, to warrant sufficient support.

True, but campaigners for euthanasia usually only use petitions, and those are ignored 99% of the time. With a protest, even if there's only 10 or so people involved, it at least gets some attention.

 

[readytogo982]

Not likely. A right to die protest wouldn't attract the massive number of people like BLM has.

The problem is that the topic is so foreign to a lot of folks that the majority of people would instantly dismiss it. Especially in America where death makes everyone uncomfortable.

However, if it was covered by the national media it would start a conversation about the topic. If people became more aware of our POV we could possible start to make it a less taboo subject. Unfortunately that would probably take several decades though.

 

[TimeToBiteTheDust]

It would take many years to have a right to die in all countries. I'm from South America and I don't think I would alive when that happens (if this happens at least in my country). We are so far from countries like Netherlands. It sucks. It would help many people who suffer.

 

[Meditation guide]

Let's look at Black Lives Matter. Know what all those demonstrations produced? Nothing. Yes there is a new law which the police can safely ignore which says police can only use choke holds if they feel threatened, so in other words nothing has changed.

Even in the few states where self euthanasia is legal you have to have two doctors agree you are terminally ill with less than 6 months to live. I'm too disabled to even get to a doctor.

 

[TAW122]

That's good to hear. I'm glad that at least some progress is being made.

Petitions don't really work. From what I can tell, most countries that approved euthanasia only did it after either a doctor took matters into their own hands gave it to someone, or someone took their case of being denied euthanasia to the Supreme Court. If a case gained momentum or tales of someone terminally ill dying painfully after being denied euthanasia got around the internet, it could get a lot of people to realize protests are necessary.


True, but campaigners for euthanasia usually only use petitions, and those are ignored 99% of the time. With a protest, even if there's only 10 or so people involved, it at least gets some attention.

True, perhaps when my time comes either later this year (hopefully), next year, or earliest convenience, that maybe my writings would help reach large swaths of the populace. Even if not much has changed, having a few more people accept and/or understand the pro-choice stance may help our cause, even if it is a handful. I highly doubt many media and new outlets would give two shits, but even if it is picked up by at least ONE media outlet, it would reach some audience. Either way, the least I can do for our cause is that even in death, I would have made an impact for our community, even if so little.

 

[Emily123]

The problem is it is in the benfit of governements to keep people alive and use them as slave as much as possible . I think it is right of any humanto end her/his life peacfuly when she is not happy about it . But They don't respct or rights .

 

[FusRohDracarys]

I think at this point in time, it would amount to nothing because it would be seen as a byproduct of Coronavirus induced economic depression, not as an issue in it's own right. Seeing a protest would just validate the thousands of predicted deaths argument, so I think the movement would be quickly politicized and forgotten once society/the economy return to a comfortable normal.

 

[AnxietyAttack44]

No, it wouldnt work

 

[Meditation guide]

The main issue is the religions that think any life should be prolonged since they think only God should decide when you die.

 

[Chiyuki99]

I think it's a really good idea however I agree with the others above: religious people and pro lifers would heavily attack such a protest.

 

[Meditation guide]

I think it's a really good idea however I agree with the others above: religious people and pro lifers would heavily attack such a protest.

People have been and are trying to get the laws changed in the US state by state. We now have about 5 that allow assisted suicide but it's still jumping through a lot of hoops, and being terminally ill, to get that. It's taken years just to get this far. So for most of us it won't help us. Still I would move to one of those states if I could even move, physically.