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Health Care Professionals for Assisted Dying

(7 Posts)
Eloethan Fri 12-Apr-13 23:44:36

Thank you for the interesting article.

I have seen for myself that palliative care is not always successful. I don't know if this is because there were not enough people with expertise to manage pain or because some pain cannot be managed - it seems he is saying the latter.

I can see his point that assisted dying may be a better option than some sort of process like the Liverpool Care Pathway - though I really don't know enough about either option to reach an informed view.

This issue needs more frequent and honest debate in the media.

Bags Fri 12-Apr-13 19:16:31

It does mean that bluntly, jane, perhaps, but I don't think it means just that in fact. Back later. Have to head off for a bit.

janeainsworth Fri 12-Apr-13 19:12:08

The article made me rather uneasy - the figures it gave for 'non-voluntary euthanasia' which is happening now.
Put in normal language, that means doctors killing patients without their knowledge or consent.

Goose Fri 12-Apr-13 19:02:45

Bags thank you for opening up this important issue for debate here on GN. I am very interested to read GNs opinions on assisted dying. IMO the whole area warrants a public referendum

bluebell Fri 12-Apr-13 17:59:58

Excellent article - honest and evidence-based. For too long this debate has been fuelled by dishonesty - that dying can always be managed to be dignified and pain-free and by doctors who say they are against it in public and in private admit to the fact that they would help themselves and their loved ones.

Butty Fri 12-Apr-13 17:59:57

Yes, a very good article about the need for change in addressing assisted dying.

I found it refreshing to read that Raymond Ballis changed his opinions based on previous assumptions.

I also found myself challenged by (as I saw it) the no-holes-barred, loud and big heading to this article. I didn't like it. It made me uncomfortable. So I questioned myself about that and quickly realised it's because it said what it meant. No pussy-footing around. It captured my attention and made me attend to the issue. Difficult, yes. Necessary, again yes.

Bags Fri 12-Apr-13 17:31:05

Good article about the need for change