8mm
Posted on 03/15/2008 12:07:25 PM PDT by wagglebee
What I see as some of the issues of the debate:
1) If a person is conscious or unconscious. Mental capability and how recently.
2) If they have stated a desire to not receive extraordinary assistance in maintaining their life, or not.
3) If they consciously refuse medical care, seeking to remove themselves or be removed from where they will be given care if they lose consciousness. (i.e. “The doctor says they cannot be moved.” or “They want to be taken home.”)
4) If they want some care, such as expert pain cessation, but no care beyond that.
5) If they are critically ill, so that the removal of existing extraordinary means of support will likely result in immediate death.
6) If the medical authorities do not wish to extend further medical care.
7) The ability of non-familial legal intervention to extend or end life. Medical power of attorney.
8) If they want the personal means to commit suicide.
9) If they want assistance in committing suicide.
10) If they wish to be removed outside of a jurisdiction with laws in conflict with their wishes; or are in such a jurisdiction and unable to state their wishes. (Transportability).
11) If they have been involuntarily given or denied care in spite of their wishes, changing their status.
12) Wishes of family members in conflict with their written wishes.
13) The requirement that hospitals give continued care to indigents unable to be moved.
14) If a court can supersede personal and family wishes to order an end to medical care.
15) If a court can supersede personal and family wishes to extend care solely to preserve organs for transplant or research.
I’m sure I missed a bunch here.
“The government DOES NOT OWN PEOPLE. “
No it doesn’t. She certainly seems coherent and I didn’t read where she was paralyzed. If her sole purpose was to die then she would certainly be able to do that. IMO her purpose is to push forward the movement of euthanasia. Heart wrenching stories are well and fine. I’m sure there are cases as you describe. I’m also quite sure there are many others who are deprived of care because they have been deemed unworthy.
I hate to sound cold hearted, but don’t they have tall buildings in France? The only thing I can think of that is more pathetic than wanting to commit suicide is requiring the assistance of a physician to do so.
Her illness was certainly tragic and heartbreaking. She should have long ago accepted the medically-induced coma to end her suffering, but instead she was hijacked by the culture of death to pursue an agenda that did not include treating her condition.
May she rest in His Peace.
Thanks for the post. It changes things when you put a face to the story. Before she got the tumors she was a totally normal looking person. Wish I could think of something profound to say, but these kinds of decisions are for people wiser than me.
I’m sorry, but I’d honor her wishes. Sometimes death is preferable to a living hell, and obviously, this woman was in hell.
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