The right to die?

[Zkuq]

TheLastStarFighter said:

Zkuq said:

TheLastStarFighter said:
I don't think there is anything wrong with the idea of someone in pain or suffering wanting to die in and of itself. Unfortunately like everything else nothing exists in a vacuum. If you allow assisted suicide to be practiced, you can create a culture that anyone who is sick or dependent should end their life because that's what others do. You may have elderly or sickly people being pressured by their family to end their life. I see it all the time with family members pressuring their elders into care homes and then taking their property and/or pension.

My stance on issues such as this is that all human life is sacred, from conception to death, and that it shouldn't be ended pre-maturely. I know it's not perfect and I know I may/would think differently in certain situations, but it's the most consistent and morally sound opinion I can come up with.

I am OK with pulling the plug on someone on life support, just not killing them if they would not die otherwise.

Your point is a good one. Your moral stance, however, I strongly disagree with. I have the same stance, to an extent, but I would not deny someone's right to choose whether to live or die. It's none of my business what a person does with his/her life, I have no say in it. I don't see why you should have, either.

If someone is physically well but mentally sick and wanting to kill themselves, would you not take any and all steps to save them?  As humans, I believe it is our responsibility to do so.  I see no ethical difference in physical illness.  At the same time I see the moral strength in allowing someone to kill themselves if they are in pain or suffering, I just feel it is morally inconsistant, which is something I strive for, and as such my stance is against euthanasia.  I could be convinced otherwise - I have heard the passionate story of a woman who's husband suffered for years - but have yet to hear an agrument that allows me fully say euthanasia is "right" and should be legal.

If the circumstances are clear, everyone should have the right to die. I wouldn't grant the right to freely die to just any lunatic but at the very least, if the suffering can't be cured, the person should have the right to die - no matter what kind the illness is. It just requires that the person understands what's going on in all ways. As far as I'm concerned, euthanasia is just aided suicide and anyone can commit suicide. Well, in practice, I'd guess most of the people wanting euthasia can't actually commit suicide themselves but would if they could. I just hope it's clear to you that euthanasia and murder aren't the same thing, morally or otherwise.