Assisted dying

[Palerider]

I can see this being abused, even with the safeguards. A close relative died of MND a few years ago, it was very hard for him and his wife and family and and all who knew him, but he told his wife through his electronic voice (which was actually his son who painstakingly voiced as many words as his Dad was likely to use, so his Dad could communicate with some clever technology) a few days before he passed away “I don’t want to die yet”. Others may feel differently, but we all know people react very differently. I fear that a lot of new MPs from all parties lack the experience to get their constituents’ views before November 29th.

Yep, I'm not comfortable with it either. When faced with a slippery slope best to avoid it altogether.

 

[stonerblue]

Yep, I'm not comfortable with it either. When faced with a slippery slope best to avoid it altogether.

If the 'slippery slopes ' you refer to is the one that seriously ill people slide down every day, and can't stop sliding down, then yeah it's best to avoid that..

 

[kaz7]

The twats will vote against it or abstain. It shouldnt be a decision made by individuals who can go private and get the best end of life care , have religious reasons to vote against etc, i am not at all comfortable that a few hundred can make a decision that affects seventy million people , it should be a referendum

 

[metalblue]

It's shit, and from what i can see will do nothing for people who know what's coming due to their long term illness.
Why should they be alone?
I agree with your point about staff.
Nobody should have the right to deny another human their choice to end their life.

It won’t help people like Sheds dad above or those with dementia or that type of thing - as they’ll lack any capacity when in their final 6 months.

My logic for being alone is to prevent any outside interference at the point of “no return”. That interference can be from family encouraging OR trying to dissuade and will give the person time to reflect in silence. Mourning can bring out all sorts of questions in people that are unfair so again it would save relatives from any accusations. As soon as the medication is taken (or not) they can return. Death won’t be instant I can’t imagine - any drug that brings instant death would likely not be pretty or peaceful.

Everyone has the right to end their life today mate. I get that they want professional help as the current options aren’t without risk or being messy / unpeaceful.

 

[metalblue]

The main issue for me is the timescales. It's very hard to determine accurately how long someone has got left and this could open a whole can of worms around that. Similarly, how exactly in this modern age are you going to get approval from two independent doctors and then a High Court judge? It's probably going to take 12 months to get that in place!

I’d imagine there would be a process that doesn’t take too long otherwise it would be pointless. I’m surprised they are saying it can be in your local hospital mind. Where will it be done? Side room on a general ward? As an outpatient?

 

[metalblue]

The twats will vote against it or abstain. It shouldnt be a decision made by individuals who can go private and get the best end of life care , have religious reasons to vote against etc, i am not at all comfortable that a few hundred can make a decision that affects seventy million people , it should be a referendum

Asking a bunch of barely literate people who don’t understand the complexities of it sounds like a solid idea.

MPs represent their constituents and if they sense their constituents want it they will vote for it. Email your local MP, maybe refrain from calling him/her a twat ;)

I do think it needs longer to be debated however - let’s have an honest and open discussion about it. Led by experts and the MPs can then an informed decision. Without time you feel an MP will likely opt to maintain the status quo if they lack information.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

The twats will vote against it or abstain. It shouldnt be a decision made by individuals who can go private and get the best end of life care , have religious reasons to vote against etc, i am not at all comfortable that a few hundred can make a decision that affects seventy million people , it should be a referendum

No it shouldn’t.
It’s my absolute right to determine my end if I so choose.
No one has the right to try to obstruct me or put barriers in my way.
I don’t give a flying fuck about anyone else’s religious or ethical stances.
It’s my life.
It’s my choice.

 

[mackenzie]

No it shouldn’t.
It’s my absolute right to determine my end if I so choose.
No one has the right to try to obstruct me or put barriers in my way.
I don’t give a flying fuck about anyone else’s religious or ethical stances.
It’s my life.
It’s my choice.

But, surely, that would need someone enabling you in some respect?
If only to prepare the meds etc?

I have no real "side" in any of this by the way.

 

[Mr Kobayashi]

The death pod seems to be the solution.

 

[supercity88]

I’d imagine there would be a process that doesn’t take too long otherwise it would be pointless. I’m surprised they are saying it can be in your local hospital mind. Where will it be done? Side room on a general ward? As an outpatient?

Well, yes there would have to be a process but considering the current situation regarding both medical and legal waiting times I can't see an easy fix to suddenly find the required professionals to make these decisions.

6 months isn't a long time. To deliver that prognosis is exceptionally difficult for starters, but then to find two separate professionals to confirm you can go ahead and then book a slot with a High Court judge - who may need to call witnesses...not happening.