Posted on 10/13/2008 1:33:37 PM PDT by markomalley
A medical ethics expert has said hallucinogenic drugs could be used to enhance the experience of dying.
The controversial suggestions include using ecstasy and 'magic mushrooms' to encourage closer bonding with family members and reduce anxiety in the final hours of life.
Robin Mackenzie, director of medical law and ethics at the University of Kent, will speak out at a workshop in London today to call for people to be given more choice over how they die.
Dr Mackenzie told the Independent newspaper: 'We have the technology to enhance the experience of dying.
'With neuroimaging [brain scans] we can measure the impact of different practices, such as meditation or drugs, which would allow us to orchestrate our dying, just as we choose the form of a funeral service.'
Research is being carried out into the effects of psilocybin - the drug found in magic mushrooms and ecstasy in terminal cancer patients.
A study at the University of Los Angeles is due to complete in December and research is also being carried out in Spain.
Today's workshop is being organised by Exit International, an Australian group which advocates voluntary euthanasia.
It will be hosted by founder Philip Nitscke, who recently sparked outrage with plans to hold the first DIY suicide workshop in Britain.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
What?
Pain management is one thing but hallucinogenic drugs?
We in hospice use ativan to take the edge off and morphine to decrease pain and suffering with great success, but if a gigantic purple hairy clown with razor sharp teeth sprang out of the wall to eat you...I don’t see how this “enhances” a little ole 90 year old lady’s “dying experience”.
Liberals....GOD deliver us!
He really made that movie... it was his 101st and last. He was dying of cancer when he made it.
I’ve got no problem with this - I enjoy hallucinogenics. I wish they were legal for those of us who are very much alive.
I have seen alot of non-violent death (I am an ICU nurse) and I can assure that even the most peaceful death is not “easy”.
When it is my time to go, I will definitely want that “light buzz”. Serious hallucinogens??? No thanks.
Thanks FRiend. I’m here all week. :)
Especially if the person has never used drugs like that before...0_0
All the more reason to eat lots of mushrooms NOW!
I have my stash for when the time comes.
I just want to die under the open sky.
Some really good clinical LSD would be the best,
hard to find nowadays.
Either way, what a long strange trip it’s been...
Wonder how many failed drug warriors will rush in to stop they dying from doing drugs because it could adversely affect their health.
Believe this $hit ?
Exactly what I was thinking.
Disgusting. Reminds me of the death rooms in “Soylent Green” where they show beautiful clips of landscapes to make dying more “pleasurable.”
Did that in Soylent Green .
Hard to watch that scene with Edward G. Robinson when you realize he has terminal cancer.
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Wow..
Father God we pray for your protection and ask for your Angels and ministers of grace to defend us from this evil.
As one who recently had the experience of losing a parent to bone cancer, this is one very frightening concept.
...
I think they'd rather spend time with loved ones.
No, that’s what they want, to be with their families, only that they be higher than Keef Richards, circa 1968. That way they not only get to say g’bye to their relatives, they also get to say g’bye to Papa Smurf, Waldo the Unicorn, and all the various Star Wars creatures coming out of the wallpaper. “I’m comin’ to join you, Boba Fett ! This is the big one !”
Didn't know that. Thank you.
FMCDH(BITS)
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