caramida | NationStates: Dominion of Caramida

Cancer Sufferer Demands Euthanasia Bill
The Issue:

Dorothy Terwilliger lies immobilized in a hospital bed, unable to move. She has end-stage cancer, and wishes to end her struggle against death. However, laws prevent her doctors from obeying her wishes.

The Debate:

Dorothy and her family are campaigning for a "Dying with Dignity" bill, to change this situation. She implores the government to legalize euthanasia.
"I understand this is a very difficult time for these people," says freelance medical writer Buy Wall. "But the solution is not to let our medical system slide down the slippery slope of killing people in pain. We must cure, not kill. This is not the right time for euthanasia."
"I agree, but go further: there is never a right time for euthanasia," says Bishop Roger Falopian. "The lives we lead are given to us by the grace of God, and he decides when they end. It is not for us to question God's divine purpose, no matter how odd or screwed-up it may seem."

The Government Position:
The government has yet to formalize a position on this issue.

My thoughts:
While on one hand, I like the idea of reduced suffering, I'm not certain that I want to place the power of ending life in the hands of physicians. Were this an assisted suicied debate, it would be much easier to support. As it is, I'm leaning toward either 'not the time right now', or just dismissing the issue. Of course, this leaves Dorothy to suffer. As for the Bishop's position, I don't want religion involved with government, for so very many reasons.

What do y'all think?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Pretty much agree with this. With the exception of people who have been in comas for 3+ years. There's a family I know back home whose daughter was in a car accident like 10 years ago and what it's done to them is now my greatest nightmare. She's not going to recover and yet they can't let her die.

That's an awful situation.

NationStates: Dominion of Caramida

Re: the difference

Re: the difference