Whatever things Switzerland may be doing right, this--in my opinion--is not one of them. I find it exceedingly creepy that this could even be a headline.
money quote:
"At the root of the Swiss Government’s initiative is a fear that the cheerful Heidi-and-cowbells image is being tarnished by suicide tourists."
Yikes.
In Willie's world if you are fully aware of the consequences and being in sound mind, and you wish to check out of the life hotel, have at it.
ReplyDeleteWhile I would probably try to talk almost anyone down from making that decision at almost any time, I really don't think medical doctors should be involved in the ending of life. It seems to contradict the whole 'do no harm' part of the hippocratic oath.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, if someone really wants to take their own life, they're probably going to succeed (unless the attempt is horribly botched). I don't think the government should be sanctioning it.
All of Switzerland's lessons to us aren't instructive. Some of them are cautionary.
i'm w. willie. it's a civil rights issue i say.
ReplyDeleteIf someone has a terminal illness and looking at months of pain before the die. I understand, not condone, but I understand. Spencer you are right doctors should not participate in ending someones life. But if a system existed at a funeral home where someone like the coroner could end someones pain, I could see that. Every effort should be made to save a life. If the person is not facing a terminal illness though every effort of councelling to save the life should be made. If they still try, that is pain family and friends will have to face.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't think a system of funeral homes should be able to do this either. I don't want the government to sanction doctor assisted suicide, and I certainly don't think assisted suicide should become a marketable service. The free market isn't a moral agent, and doctors shouldn't be killing people.
ReplyDeleteNo thanks on all of that.
I didn'tsay doctors should do it,I said doctors shouldn'tdo it and essentiaally a list of criteria must exist before you allow it, such as a long painful death from disease, notifying relatives prior and counseling. Only under those kinds of conditions,not because you just want to end it. The reason I suggested a mortuary and coroner, they are used to dealing with bodys and there is no conflict. It may allow another opportunity to catch a healthy person wanting to do it.
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