Should people with painful terminal illness be allowed to end their own lives?

[RiddalinJunkie08]

I'm writing a research paper for English class thats worth 300 points. What are you're views on the topic?
-Mark

[MayAMonkeyBeYourPinata]

They can do whatever they want if they want to kill themselves then nobody can stop them.

But should someone be allowed to end another persons life, even if they say so...

The answer is no. I say this because, people might use this to end people's lives in order to gain insurance money etc...

[i_baked_cookies]

it is illegal to commit suicide

but, i think as long as the person has a stable mental health, that he/she should make the own decision to end their life, if they have a terminal ilness and are destined to die soon. also, there should be a contract, signed, that states that the person pulling the plug is not responsible for the death of the paitent, and cannot be sued for any related matter.

[Zygote]

I never understood why it's illegal to kill yourself in the first place. Its not exactly an effective deterrent. If they're serious about dying and pull it off, they're beyond the reach of the law. If it's a desperate stunt for attention or if they're just too incompetent, they have serious problems that jail time or a fine will do nothing to help.

[RRfireblade]

Re: Should people with painful terminal illness be allowed to end their own lives?

Re: Should people with painful terminal illness be allowed to end their own lives?

Yes.

So should anyone else IMO as long as they don't endanger anyone else or force anyone not personally involved to "become" involved as a result of it.

[Restola]

You can do whatever you want to your own body.

[f3rr3+]

if its of thier own free will, then yes

[gamarada717]

If I still had that computer, I would send you my bibliography that has all the links and books that I used for a debate last year. It was like 6 pages long to (the bibliography)

[argnot]

I would have to say yes. If a person is found to be mentally stable they should be allowed to end thier own life, as long as it doesn't endanger anyone elses. Also doctor asisted suicide should be legal due to the fact that a doctors job is to treat and ease peoples pain and suffering. If you have a terminal illness that causes you pain and suffering and makes you a non-functional person wouldn't the ultimate ease be a painless death....? The state is allowed to do it to death row inmates that are perfectly healthy physically. It is a punishment to the inmate for something they have done wrong. Wouldn't suicide be a reward for someone that has fought a losing battle against a terminal illness. I kinda look at it like a FU terminal illness I win. I have a positive outlook on life but if I have no chance of beating a disease that will kill me I would rather end my own life before I am reduced to nothing though a very painfull disease. I feel also that it would help ease that pain and suffering of the families due to the fact that they would not have to watch as thier loved one wasted away. Would you rather remeber you mother or father as a healthy happy person that didn't come home one day or as a emaciated, bed riden person that doesn't have the ability to function normally? I think the choice is very clear not to mention the finacial ramifications. Insurence would have to pay potentially less for care in the long run. Some diseases can keep a person hovering on the edge or death for years. Alright time to end it. Just my thoughs feel free to comment.

[strongbadfan]

People have a right to die with dignity. As far as playing God, if some one with a terminal disease, would die without medical treatment, then isnt keeping them alive playing God?

[Rooster]

Please let them, its better than all these moldy oldies thinking I should be paying for the pills to keep their corpses alive one more day.

[Lethargic]

I'm going to say yes also. I see no reason why a person should be prevented from ending their own life, and furthemore, if you want to look at it cold and callously, it definately would save a bit of money...

I'm just amazed AO agrees on something

[gamarada717]

Yeah, I remember that it cost like 1400 a day to keep someone with a terminal illness alive. There is nothing wrong with euthanasia. Most people say that pain can be controlled, but the truth is that taking pill after pill can lead to even more pain. You have the right to die, in my oppinion.

[Kevmaster]

I would agree, however, we need to do it in the right way.

1) They MUST be certifiably SANE to make the decision. If they are not of the mental capacity at the time, they cna not choose one way or the other

2) If they can not choose, then NOBODY can choose for them. However, if it is in their will with certain conditions met, then it is accpetable

3) There must be some oversight from the government to insure that everyone is making their own choice

4) Doctors should be allowed to end a life in the most painless manner when the above three conditions are met.

[shartley]

I am torn on this matter, but would not pass judgment one way or the other. I do think however that if they want to refuse treatment and let nature take its course than I have NO problems with that. I also have no problems allowing them pain medication during the process to ease the passing.