There's a problem when someone - in this case my mother - who was a member of the Voluntary Euthanasia socieety, lost the capacity to make the decision to end her own life because of her dementia. She'd signed an Advance Directive though, so that when she developed a condition which would end her life if not treated, her family was able to honour that and she was just given palliative care. We were very sad that her quality of life by that time had diminished to the point where she was just existing, and the person we loved had disappeared.
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
Doctors can refuse to carry out an abortion except when it is a matter of life and death, - religion does not come into it. Similarly, there is no reason why doctors would be compelled to take part in euthanasia.
Doctors can refuse to carry out an abortion except when it is a matter of life and death, - religion does not come into it. Similarly, there is no reason why doctors would be compelled to take part in euthanasia.
Exactly @Liriodendron I have had the same experience. If ever I were to have a similar diagnosis I would want the option to end my life in a dignified way, while Iâm still âmeâ, not a husk waiting out the days/weeks/months/sometimes years. Itâs really a cruelty not a kindness to exist like that. We should all have the choice of how we want to live, and die.Â
Every day I drive for an hour, to and from visiting Husband who has 8 inoperable tumours. He's 6ft2 and now weighs 8 stone 12. He's doubly incontinent and is just waiting to die.
My father was lucky. He was on dialysis and was able to refuse it once his other organs were breaking down and he saw what lay ahead. But it still would have been easier for him if euthanasia was an option.
Our dog had a gentle and peaceful death at the hands of the vet - same with an elderly cat. I said my dad was lucky in that it was over in a few days but the dog and cat had it easier.
This is why a "living will" is important. It gives assent, in advance, to the care which suits the person concerned before they become unable to communicate that desire which may be to live at all costs or to go quietly and peacefully with enough painkillers to deaden the suffering.
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He's 6ft2 and now weighs 8 stone 12.Â
He's doubly incontinent and is just waiting to die.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border