suicide: do we have a right to death?

VeganInTraining
VeganInTraining Posts: 1,319 Member
edited November 2024 in Social Groups
Should suicide/assisting in suicide be illegal? Oregon has passed a “Dignity of Death Act” in which a doctor is permitted to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to terminally ill patients who request it. And I’m sure we all remember Kevorkian who assisted many elderly in committing suicide. He did jail time for this, should he have?

What about for people who just “want to die?” Should we spend tax dollars trying to prevent them from jumping off buildings or just let them jump? Should a doctor or drug dealer be charged with murder for assisting in a suicide when the only rational was that the person didn’t want to live anymore?

Do we have a right to death?
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Replies

  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    Should suicide/assisting in suicide be illegal?
    YES!
    And I’m sure we all remember Kevorkian who assisted many elderly in committing suicide. He did jail time for this, should he have?
    Abso-frigin-lutely.
    What about for people who just “want to die?” Should we spend tax dollars trying to prevent them from jumping off buildings or just let them jump?
    We should fight for life as much as possible.
    Should a doctor or drug dealer be charged with murder for assisting in a suicide when the only rational was that the person didn’t want to live anymore?
    Do you mean for merely "providing" the means to a suicide? No.
    Do we have a right to death?
    This becomes for a religious reply, and I think you already get my perspective!
  • PanteraGirl
    PanteraGirl Posts: 566 Member
    I don't know.....for terminally ill patients....its one thing....but for people who just want to do cuz they want to absolutely NO...Cuz there are reasons why people want to die...I.E depression. You could get help for that......I don't want to my tax money going to someone that needs help to kill themselves.

    Tough subject....I would say NO for just anyone.....undecided about terminally ill patients. I believe we should all fight for life but when you are dying.....I just don't know. I personally don't believe in suicide period. But if other dying people do to ease their pain...that's their decision. But I still don't really think that tax payers should pay for it.
  • mikajoanow
    mikajoanow Posts: 584 Member
    I voted FOR assisted Suicide in the great state of Oregon. :) Under the RULES that Oregon has in place I am very much in favor of it.
  • TheRoadDog
    TheRoadDog Posts: 11,788 Member
    I absolutely believe a person has the right to end their own life.
  • Bahet
    Bahet Posts: 1,254 Member
    People who commit suicide should be prosecuted for first degree murder and sentenced to death.
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    People who commit suicide should be prosecuted for first degree murder and sentenced to death.
    Forgive me if I don't find suicide a joking matter. If I saw you about to jump off a bridge, I'd try to stop you.
  • Bahet
    Bahet Posts: 1,254 Member
    OK, on a serious note, I think assisted suicide for a terminally ill person is an absolute right. It's none of the government's damn business. Anyone who thinks it shouldn't be allowed should just pretend they are a poor person with no insurance. Then they might not care so much that they die.
  • mikajoanow
    mikajoanow Posts: 584 Member
    OK, on a serious note, I think assisted suicide for a terminally ill person is an absolute right. It's none of the government's damn business. Anyone who thinks it shouldn't be allowed should just pretend they are a poor person with no insurance. Then they might not care so much that they die.

    Oh my gawd, I almost spit my jello out!
  • atomiclauren
    atomiclauren Posts: 689 Member
    I absolutely believe a person has the right to end their own life.

    Agreed, and under whatever circumstances, many take care of it themselves whether it be well thought out, on a whim, of sound mind, or completely out of it.

    It's that area where it's not possible - without physical or practical means - that I'm on the side of assistance.
  • BrettPGH
    BrettPGH Posts: 4,716 Member
    It's my life and no one has any rights to it but me. We all die. There's no preventing it. We should at least have a small amount of say in the matter if we so choose.
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    Anyone who thinks it shouldn't be allowed should just pretend they are a poor person with no insurance. Then they might not care so much that they die.
    Are you kidding me? Do you realize how insensitive your comments here have been? You're ASSuming that I don't think that poor people with no insurance have no worth? Who do you think you are, Bahet?
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    It's my life and no one has any rights to it but me. We all die. There's no preventing it. We should at least have a small amount of say in the matter if we so choose.
    Brett, Do you know how many people have attempted suicide during a situational depression or while under the influence? At that moment they may have wished for death, but they weren't thinking clearly or rationally. Just speak to some who are still alive but attempted suicide. They're grateful for their failed attempt. If I saw someone trying to end their life, I'd do what I could to stop them. I would not be in a position to know if they've really thought about what they're doing, or if they're mentally depressed.
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    Oh my gawd, I almost spit my jello out!
    Why am I not surprised that you would find that funny? Sorry, but jokes about suicide are not funny.
  • BrettPGH
    BrettPGH Posts: 4,716 Member
    It's my life and no one has any rights to it but me. We all die. There's no preventing it. We should at least have a small amount of say in the matter if we so choose.
    Brett, Do you know how many people have attempted suicide during a situational depression or while under the influence? At that moment they may have wished for death, but they weren't thinking clearly or rationally. Just speak to some who are still alive but attempted suicide. They're grateful for their failed attempt. If I saw someone trying to end their life, I'd do what I could to stop them. I would not be in a position to know if they've really thought about what they're doing, or if they're mentally depressed.

    I have no problem with anyone who wants to man a suicide hotline or try to talk down a jumper. I think that's wonderful and kind. Of course if some kid is up on a bridge you do whatever you can to get them down.

    Anyone who has put thought into it and has come to it as a serious decision should have the brains to do it in a way that they won't be interfered with. Making sure no one is there to stop them. I only truly feel bad for the incapacitated who want a way out but don't have the physical ability to carry it out without the assistance of others.
  • mikajoanow
    mikajoanow Posts: 584 Member
    Oh my gawd, I almost spit my jello out!
    Why am I not surprised that you would find that funny? Sorry, but jokes about suicide are not funny.

    I am sorry but she made two jokes on this thread that from my point of view clearly prove that you are wrong, jokes about suicide can be funny. If it makes you feel any better I fully plan to take part in my states assisted suicide program when and if I become terminally ill.
  • adrian_indy
    adrian_indy Posts: 1,444 Member
    It's my life and no one has any rights to it but me. We all die. There's no preventing it. We should at least have a small amount of say in the matter if we so choose.
    Brett, Do you know how many people have attempted suicide during a situational depression or while under the influence? At that moment they may have wished for death, but they weren't thinking clearly or rationally. Just speak to some who are still alive but attempted suicide. They're grateful for their failed attempt. If I saw someone trying to end their life, I'd do what I could to stop them. I would not be in a position to know if they've really thought about what they're doing, or if they're mentally depressed.

    I think Patti's right. Of course, a terminally ill person who is living in pain has every right to self-terminate. But that is where it ends for me. Mentally ill, such as the depressed, or substance abusers are often not in their right mind. Someone can be very determined and sure to commit suicide and want it's done, it's done, so I think we shouldn't be so quick to let someone not in their right mind the absolute right to blow their own head off.
  • Bahet
    Bahet Posts: 1,254 Member
    Oh my gawd, I almost spit my jello out!
    Why am I not surprised that you would find that funny? Sorry, but jokes about suicide are not funny.
    Newsflash - you are not the joke police nor are you the authority on what is funny and what isn't. The fact that you don't find something funny does not mean that everyone has to agree with you. As for the "Who do you think you are?" bit I'm a grown adult who is quite capable of determining what I can and cannot do with my body be it abortion or, should I become terminally ill, assisted suicide. I am quite capable of determining what I find mildly amusing or LOL funny. I am a highly educated, professional, happily married, mother of 2 who pays taxes, contributes to society, gives to charity, and helps others. I have wonderful parents and do not need to be scolded by someone on the internet who wants to run people's lives from conception to death while micromanaging them to the point of telling them what they can and cannot find amusing.
  • mikajoanow
    mikajoanow Posts: 584 Member
    It's my life and no one has any rights to it but me. We all die. There's no preventing it. We should at least have a small amount of say in the matter if we so choose.
    Brett, Do you know how many people have attempted suicide during a situational depression or while under the influence? At that moment they may have wished for death, but they weren't thinking clearly or rationally. Just speak to some who are still alive but attempted suicide. They're grateful for their failed attempt. If I saw someone trying to end their life, I'd do what I could to stop them. I would not be in a position to know if they've really thought about what they're doing, or if they're mentally depressed.

    I think Patti's right. Of course, a terminally ill person who is living in pain has every right to self-terminate. But that is where it ends for me. Mentally ill, such as the depressed, or substance abusers are often not in their right mind. Someone can be very determined and sure to commit suicide and want it's done, it's done, so I think we shouldn't be so quick to let someone not in their right mind the absolute right to blow their own head off.

    I would agree with this too.

    I am only for assisted suicide under certain rules and those are usually people only people who have less than 6 months of painful life left.
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    I am a highly educated, professional, happily married, mother of 2 who pays taxes, contributes to society, gives to charity, and helps others. I have wonderful parents and do not need to be scolded by someone on the internet who wants to run people's lives from conception to death while micromanaging them to the point of telling them what they can and cannot find amusing.
    You forgot about the part where you tell us how many years you and your husband were married before you had children. How much money you make. How big your house is and how you bought it before marriage and kids. How you are an important business woman who works from home and takes care of her children at the same time. Oh, and the luxury car you drive. I mean, you've mentioned all that numerous times in other threads, so you could have just thrown it in here, too.

    I don't give a crap what you do for a living, how much money you make, what level of education you have achieved. Newsflash: That means nothing to me. The fact that you can make jokes about suicide really shows a lot about your character. Yes, even on the internet, people can tell character.
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
    I would support it in the case of the terminally ill. I watched my grandmother suffer for months with terminal cancer as it sucked the life out of her and made her miserable for the last 6 months of her life. As much as I cherish that time with her, it would have been better for her to have the choice if she wished to end it before the pain started. I would have supported her choice either way.

    If someone chooses to end their life early after they have made the rational choice to do so (in the case of the terminally ill), they should have access to medication that would make it as painless as possible also.

    For others suffering from depression or other mental health issues, absolutely not, but we need a much better support network for people who are suffering and are suicidal than we do now.
  • Bahet
    Bahet Posts: 1,254 Member
    I am a highly educated, professional, happily married, mother of 2 who pays taxes, contributes to society, gives to charity, and helps others. I have wonderful parents and do not need to be scolded by someone on the internet who wants to run people's lives from conception to death while micromanaging them to the point of telling them what they can and cannot find amusing.
    You forgot about the part where you tell us how many years you and your husband were married before you had children. How much money you make. How big your house is and how you bought it before marriage and kids. How you are an important business woman who works from home and takes care of her children at the same time. Oh, and the luxury car you drive. I mean, you've mentioned all that numerous times in other threads, so you could have just thrown it in here, too.
    I have never said how much money we make or even given a range, I've never said how big our house is, and I drive a 2000 Windstar which I doubt anyone would call a "luxury car" even if it weren't 12 years old. (Uh oh, now you're going to mention that in your future harping rants aren't you? c'est la vie)

    You are quite the petulant child. Perhaps you can regale us again with stories of how you teach your kids about other religions, work at a Catholic school, volunteer at crisis centers, pray outside clinics, etc. Or better yet - don't.
    I don't give a crap what you do for a living, how much money you make, what level of education you have achieved. Newsflash: That means nothing to me. The fact that you can make jokes about suicide really shows a lot about your character. Yes, even on the internet, people can tell character.
    Ditto. As for being able to tell character - yes, we most definitely can and yours isn't very Christ like.

    Dear Kettle,
    You are black.
    Sincerely,
    Pot
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    I have never said how much money we make or even given a range, I've never said how big our house is, and I drive a 2000 Windstar which I doubt anyone would call a "luxury car" even if it weren't 12 years old. (Uh oh, now you're going to mention that in your future harping rants aren't you? c'est la vie)
    Ahhhh, if only I had time to go back and find all your posts.
    You are quite the petulant child. Perhaps you can regale us again with stories of how you teach your kids about other religions, work at a Catholic school, volunteer at crisis centers, pray outside clinics, etc. Or better yet - don't.
    At least when I shared personal information on here it was relevent to the conversation. You like to throw out your background to gain respect. Sorry, lady. I have no respect for someone who can make fun of suicide.
    Ditto. As for being able to tell character - yes, we most definitely can and yours isn't very Christ like.
    What have I ever typed on here that is not Christlike, Bahet? Please, find something. Perhaps you don't like my principles or the fact that I stand on them. Or maybe that I will confront you with an insensitive or offensive comment or "joke". That does not equate to someone who does not act like a Christian.
  • mikajoanow
    mikajoanow Posts: 584 Member
    Oh my gawd, I almost spit my jello out!
    Why am I not surprised that you would find that funny? Sorry, but jokes about suicide are not funny.
    Newsflash - you are not the joke police nor are you the authority on what is funny and what isn't. The fact that you don't find something funny does not mean that everyone has to agree with you. As for the "Who do you think you are?" bit I'm a grown adult who is quite capable of determining what I can and cannot do with my body be it abortion or, should I become terminally ill, assisted suicide. I am quite capable of determining what I find mildly amusing or LOL funny. I am a highly educated, professional, happily married, mother of 2 who pays taxes, contributes to society, gives to charity, and helps others. I have wonderful parents and do not need to be scolded by someone on the internet who wants to run people's lives from conception to death while micromanaging them to the point of telling them what they can and cannot find amusing.


    Patti, I am not sure why you would taken offense to her second comment in the first place. If you are not one of the people that she was refering to.

    Secondly, while I love debating with people, this is an internet debate board, this is not serious debate. So if you are going to get all huffy about every joke I crack, or get pissed if I laugh at someone elses joke, you might as well save the lecture or scolding because I am not interested either. I have all the things that Bahet does, including the luxery car. ;)
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    Patti, I am not sure why you would taken offense to her second comment in the first place. If you are not one of the people that she was refering to.
    But it did refer to me. She said,
    Anyone who thinks it shouldn't be allowed should just pretend they are a poor person with no insurance. Then they might not care so much that they die.
    This refers to me because I don't think it should be allowed.
    Secondly, while I love debating with people, this is an internet debate board, this is not serious debate
    This is not the chit-chat-fun and games forum. These are debates on serious issues.[/quote]
    I have all the things that Bahet does, including the luxery car. ;)
    I couldn't care less what "things" y'all have or what cars you drive. That doesn't add to credibility or character. That was my point.
  • MikeSEA
    MikeSEA Posts: 1,074 Member
    I would support it in the case of the terminally ill. I watched my grandmother suffer for months with terminal cancer as it sucked the life out of her and made her miserable for the last 6 months of her life. As much as I cherish that time with her, it would have been better for her to have the choice if she wished to end it before the pain started. I would have supported her choice either way.

    If someone chooses to end their life early after they have made the rational choice to do so (in the case of the terminally ill), they should have access to medication that would make it as painless as possible also.

    For others suffering from depression or other mental health issues, absolutely not, but we need a much better support network for people who are suffering and are suicidal than we do now.

    Agreed. I think not all life is worth living. If I were terminally ill and in constant, untreatable pain, someone else's irrational need to keep me alive at all costs would not only be offensive, but almost criminal in itself. Obviously the term "suicide" encompasses many contexts and as a society we shouldn't treat it with absolutes.
  • thor1god1of1awesome
    thor1god1of1awesome Posts: 481 Member
    If someone is terminally Ill and is going to die anyway Im all for it, I mean I know I wouldnt want my last days to be in pain and misery. I do not call it assisted-suicide, I call it mercy
  • mikajoanow
    mikajoanow Posts: 584 Member
    Patti, I am not sure why you would taken offense to her second comment in the first place. If you are not one of the people that she was refering to.
    But it did refer to me. She said,
    Anyone who thinks it shouldn't be allowed should just pretend they are a poor person with no insurance. Then they might not care so much that they die.
    This refers to me because I don't think it should be allowed.
    Secondly, while I love debating with people, this is an internet debate board, this is not serious debate
    This is not the chit-chat-fun and games forum. These are debates on serious issues.
    I have all the things that Bahet does, including the luxery car. ;)
    I couldn't care less what "things" y'all have or what cars you drive. That doesn't add to credibility or character. That was my point.







    And here I thought you cared...

    I still don't see how her comment was directed towards you. It had the word *Might* which implies multiple people may or may not have that view. If you do not take that position, then you have zero reason to take it personal.


    BTW #7 on the debate forum guidlines states "7. Have fun and post a lot! Debate forums are always the most fun when there are a variety of topics being posted and the forum is active." Fun being the opportune word.
  • I would support it in the case of the terminally ill. I watched my grandmother suffer for months with terminal cancer as it sucked the life out of her and made her miserable for the last 6 months of her life. As much as I cherish that time with her, it would have been better for her to have the choice if she wished to end it before the pain started. I would have supported her choice either way.

    If someone chooses to end their life early after they have made the rational choice to do so (in the case of the terminally ill), they should have access to medication that would make it as painless as possible also.

    For others suffering from depression or other mental health issues, absolutely not, but we need a much better support network for people who are suffering and are suicidal than we do now.

    I totally agree with this. As a veterinarian, I cannot tell you how many times I've looked into an animal's eye's that I'm euthanizing, and all I see is "thanks". Thanks for ending my suffering, ending my pain, letting me go in peace. I cannot imagine denying that option to a human being whom has even more understanding of what lies in their future - pain and death. (Before anyone says it, no - I did not do "convenience" euthanasias, only for those truly sick and terminal animals, and I believe that euthansia should only be an option for terminally ill people in "their right mind" that make the concious decision themselves)
  • KimmyEB
    KimmyEB Posts: 1,208 Member
    Should suicide/assisting in suicide be illegal? Oregon has passed a “Dignity of Death Act” in which a doctor is permitted to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to terminally ill patients who request it. And I’m sure we all remember Kevorkian who assisted many elderly in committing suicide. He did jail time for this, should he have?

    What about for people who just “want to die?” Should we spend tax dollars trying to prevent them from jumping off buildings or just let them jump? Should a doctor or drug dealer be charged with murder for assisting in a suicide when the only rational was that the person didn’t want to live anymore?

    Do we have a right to death?

    I don't think it should be illegal completely, but I do feel that there needs to be some regulation in it. I haven't looked up the whole Oregon thing in quite some time, but last time I read it, I pretty much agreed with all of it, if I remember right.

    To be honest, I know who Kevorkian is, but I don't know enough about him to determine if he was as psycho as people make him out to be. So, I can't answer to that one.

    As for my stance on the bigger picture, I agree with Brett's initial post.

    My body belongs to me and no one else. If I want to kill myself, then that's my business. If I wake up tomorrow and decide that I no longer want to live, then that's my decision. And if when I'm very old and become terminally ill and decide that life is no longer living and I want to die, then that's my business, as well, no one else's. If a doctor (or anyone, for that matter) decides that they'd like to help me in that endeavor, then I'd welcome their help. However, I do understand that doctors and nurses overall, however, have a duty to preserve life. If I botch up my suicide and don't succeed, then I understand completely that they'd want to save my life. There's a lot in the bigger picture. It's a personal decision, though. Our bodies are the only physically, tangible things we have control over. Nothing else. If we're not even allowed full control over that, there's something seriously wrong.
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    BTW #7 on the debate forum guidlines states "7. Have fun and post a lot! Debate forums are always the most fun when there are a variety of topics being posted and the forum is active." Fun being the opportune word.
    I apologize. Have all the "fun" you want cracking suicide jokes. I thought this was meant to be a serious discussion.
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