Should old people be helped to die, if that is what they wish? [ENDS 13/06/2010]

[lTraditional]

If they are in pain then yes they should because the worst thing is living for ages in pain with a bad illness.

[alexxxxx]

no because what'll happen is that people will drive their vulnerable parents to their deaths when they run out of money. there are some mentally unstable people who will do that. but then again some people are in constant pain. im stuck in the middle.

[-:Undertaker:-]

If somebody wants to die then that is their choice, not my choice or the choice of the state/government. This would have to be heavily regulated of course to make sure the practise is carried out properly and ethically but I see no reason why not to allow it. I support it fully for people in pain and would support it fully for people who wished to die for other reasons also.

Jordy brought up the example of abortions being allowed and death penalty not being allowed - well this is the same really, you either have all three banned or all three allowed otherwise it doesnt make sense (the morals argument).

[alexxxxx]

If somebody wants to die then that is their choice, not my choice or the choice of the state/government. This would have to be heavily regulated of course to make sure the practise is carried out properly and ethically but I see no reason why not to allow it. I support it fully for people in pain and would support it fully for people who wished to die for other reasons also.

Jordy brought up the example of abortions being allowed and death penalty not being allowed - well this is the same really, you either have all three banned or all three allowed otherwise it doesnt make sense (the morals argument).

yeah i agree. i do think abortions, the DP and euthanasia shouldn't be allowed in most situations imo.

[Hollie]

If they are suffering or can't look after themselves then yes, but if they just want to die because they just can't be bothered anymore or whatever, then no.

[Hmmmm]

If they want to die, I don't see why they shouldn't. It's their life, they should be the only one who can make the decision. Personally, I feel that if someone is in so much pain they should be allowed to die and I believe that the UK government should bring in euthanasia.

[Shar]

If they go through a series of interviews depicting very valid reasons. Then i should think why not.

I agree. The decision shouldn't be made straight away, but it should be thought about first and should be justified.
I think priority should be given to those suffering from severe pain.

[RedStratocas]

well if someone really wants to die, they will most likely kill themselves whether or not its for a legitimate reason or if its legal or illegal. so might as well make euthanasia legal so that 1) we can control the executions as to not have people jumping off buildings or shooting themselves or other horrible/dangerous incidents, and 2) so that professionals can talk them through their decision and perhaps convince them otherwise (if appropriate).

[ziziziz]

Personally? No life is a gift from God and you should die naturally, when its your time.

If they ask to be "put too sleep" then this effectively suicide. 10 commandments state "thou shalt not kill" killing yourself is still murder. Therefore breaking a 10 commandment, and as you are dead... you cannot ask God for forgiveness.

[Caution]

Personally? No life is a gift from God and you should die naturally, when its your time.

If they ask to be "put too sleep" then this effectively suicide. 10 commandments state "thou shalt not kill" killing yourself is still murder. Therefore breaking a 10 commandment, and as you are dead... you cannot ask God for forgiveness.

So if you had a relative or friend that had a disease, couldn't do the things they were used to, was going through an undignifying process of dying slowly and painfully, you wouldn't want them to have the choice? Not everyone's religious.