Deaf twins choose death
- Thread starter jesuschrist
- Start date
A very difficult situation, to materially lose contact with the outside world.
A Helen Keller scenario, but we know Helen had the blessing of a seriously dedicated personal teacher.
Difficult choice.
Link for Helen Keller... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Keller
I know I wouldn't want to live like that. I would want to check out too.
They have the option there -- in this case, they had to go through a legal battle because their condition was not terminal.
We don't have the option here. If we are suddenly incapacitated and unable to remove ourselves by our own actions, we're fucked. If we know an unbearable condition is coming, we have to do it ourselves while we still can -- and thus lose an amount of living we might otherwise get some enjoyment from. Of course, relatives and compassionate medical professionals sometimes do help, but are risking prosecution if an overzealous prosecutor decides to become involved.
I would prefer the options available elsewhere, but no one seems interested in changing our laws.
They have the option there -- in this case, they had to go through a legal battle because their condition was not terminal.
We don't have the option here. If we are suddenly incapacitated and unable to remove ourselves by our own actions, we're fucked. If we know an unbearable condition is coming, we have to do it ourselves while we still can -- and thus lose an amount of living we might otherwise get some enjoyment from. Of course, relatives and compassionate medical professionals sometimes do help, but are risking prosecution if an overzealous prosecutor decides to become involved.
I would prefer the options available elsewhere, but no one seems interested in changing our laws.
Maybe folks here in Canada may in time soon have "the option". Not so much an easily facilitated choice, but for those in severe situations.
Quebec is at the forefront. See link for Globe & Mail newspaper article.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/quebec-report-calls-for-euthanasia-legislation/article535360/
An excerpt : “With this recommendation, we are going to put into place a consistent and coherent framework,” Mr. Khadir said. “Sometimes, the best cure, the best health care they can give is to help the patient die.”
Quebec is at the forefront. See link for Globe & Mail newspaper article.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/quebec-report-calls-for-euthanasia-legislation/article535360/
An excerpt : “With this recommendation, we are going to put into place a consistent and coherent framework,” Mr. Khadir said. “Sometimes, the best cure, the best health care they can give is to help the patient die.”
an unfortunate set of circumstances, but that's life: sometimes a happy outcome just isn't possible.
still, i can envision any number of outcomes that would be distinctly worse...
- "right to die", a political issue, whereby the state effectively says that one's suffering is not an issue; you MUST live. for state, you can insert self-serving politician and/or adherent to centuries old religious dogma.
- a botched home suicide, leaving one brother brain-dead, the other severely crippled. or worse.
- etc.
as it turned out, the brothers' wishes were respected and carried out with dignity and professionalism. what i would want for myself.
still, i can envision any number of outcomes that would be distinctly worse...
- "right to die", a political issue, whereby the state effectively says that one's suffering is not an issue; you MUST live. for state, you can insert self-serving politician and/or adherent to centuries old religious dogma.
- a botched home suicide, leaving one brother brain-dead, the other severely crippled. or worse.
- etc.
as it turned out, the brothers' wishes were respected and carried out with dignity and professionalism. what i would want for myself.
