Euthanasia Referendum

Not me Newquay.

Rufus Your story of your dear Vera is very moving. What a truly wonderful woman she was; you are so very fortunate to have had 62 years with a lady like that.

exitinternational.net/

"Exit"

Rufus that was the ending most of us would prefer. If only we had a crystal ball. As you said about your younger brother ‘that’s another story’ ?

OP mentioned “Exit”-can’t seem to find it on google

Western Australia and Queensland are considering similar laws.’ Is that correct?
Juliet: Yes, I'm glad to say, although that's one decision I think I'll procrastinate over for as long as I'm able!
My dear Vera died peacefully at tea-time on Christmas Eve four years ago aged 86 in the hospital's palliative care ward from rapid onset cancer, gradually knocking out all her vital organs one after the other.
She was not in pain, and fully cognizant of what was happening and in fact she decided to throw a "party" as this was only 4 days after our 62nd. Wedding Anniversary; two mini Christmas puds. and ice-cream provided by the nurses!
Vera had already decided against chemo because having spent most of her working life as a medical sec. to "bone men" (as they are affectionately known!) she knew that there would be no quality of life afterwards, even if successful.
I was at her bedside, when, after a day of steady, shallow breathing she stopped.! It 's an unreal experience.
She'd selected "Always look on the bright side of Life" for her Service, something she'd wanted me to continue and which I've tried to do, mostly successful, I think!
We had previously returned to Bournemouth when my younger brother died of pancreatic cancer, but that's another story.
Best Wishes and Good Health

rufus and bradford I was reading....
‘Victoria's legislation, which came into effect in June, allows terminally ill patients who meet certain requirements the right to access lethal drugs.
Western Australia and Queensland are considering similar laws.’ Is that correct?

We are so much kinder to our pets. In fact, we'd, quite rightly, be at risk of prosecution for cruelty if we allowed them to suffer.

I can't remember her name, but a nurse chose to end her life (at Dignitas, I believe) very young, aged about 60, while she could travel. She'd seen too much of the reality of dying.

Jane, my dear Canadian friend died this year of lung cancer and her son told me she had not set that choice in place and when she was dying she was too confused to state her choice.

Jura, you have said it all .

Exactly right Jura.

I wholeheartedly agree with you Jura.

It is so unfair and cruel that people in the UK who have terminal and debilitating disease, and know that the end will be very painful or will mean choking - have to make the decision to travel to Switzerland or elsewhere far too early, when they could still enjoy quality time with their loved ones - for fear or not being able to travel at a later stage. Tragic.

I hope so too Jane43. It even has a nicer name.

Canada have a wonderful system called Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID) and it is a huge success. We have two relatives who were terminally ill, one opted for MAID and she was able to choose the time and place for passing away, the other didn’t opt for MAID and suffered a great deal with Motor Neurone Disease, he was made aware of the option but chose not to take it and nobody put pressure on him either way. I hope that eventually it is introduced over here.

Definitely would get my vote.

The difference between palliative care of the dying and assisted dying is assisted dying hastens the death event but palliative care without assisted dying keeps the patient alive as long as possible.

Victoria does not permit euthanasia, but an assisted dying scheme is in place _Wich is wot I sed
Bradford; Are you sure? I can't find a ref. to Victoria in your homework! Until you can, I can only give you one mark out of ten for trying but nothing for grammar and punctuation!
Not even a truckload of apples will buy you a certificate; teachers have standards to uphold as you know, but a 6-pack of North of Nowhere might make me think again1 A slab would definitely prompt a full review!
OoRoo; neighbour!

I shan't be bringing you an apple Sir
Rufus
Victoria does not permit euthanasia, but an assisted dying scheme is in place Wich is wot I sed.
There's more about palliative care at: www.vic.gov.au

I researched it and read, "euthanasia is illegal in all States"
Bradford You've left Victoria out of your research, where euthanasia is now legal, thankfully. I feel like a school teacher correcting homework.!
I'll have a look at that film when I"m not too busy doing "corrections"! Thanks!.

I agree, Hetty, it is sad to die alone having made that momentous decision all alone. I am sorry about your dear aunt, but I admire her fortitude.

The risk of proactive DIY dying is it might not work and you live on but in an even worse state. Religious nuts have much to answer for!

I agree eebeew. If I had the security of knowing I could end it all when I wanted I would put off dying longer. Not that I need to yet but.....

Off to look at the Dignity in Dying website.

I support the euthanasia bill. I know that not all pain can be eased because I used to work on a palliative care unit. Some pain is intractable. Another problem is that some take their own lives too soon because they are scared of losing the ability to do it themselves . If you knew the doctor would help you when you were ready for it this would prevent premature suicide.
Remember the film “Still Alice” ?

Rufus Before I wrote that sentence, I researched it and read, "euthanasia is illegal in all States". But, "assisted dying" is being trialled in WA and Mike Gaffney has plans to introduce a PM Bill for Tasmania.
Have you seen the film, "The Last Cab to Darwin"? Brilliant and so moving.

Jura2 in people's mind, 'euthanasia' means a good death without the person's request and clear wishes

In that case they should make an effort to be better informed rather than make foolish assumptions. There's enough information around to help them evaluate sensibly.

Whether we are talking about euthanasia or the right to vote, anything which takes people from 'no choice at all' to 'some choice' is, in my opinion, a better move.
It's progress.
It is not forcing anyone to choose euthanasia; it is merely giving those who are terminally ill, the right to die without lingering in pain.

BlueBelle I applaud your right to reject it when it feels wrong to you; there will be many who feel like that - and I'd fight for their (or your) right to choose too.

endlessstrife as a Christian that's your right. I hope provision is made so that anti-euthanasia staff in hospitals cannot prevent the legal right of patients to choose their own route to whatever is beyond life.

For the sake of both the Christian, whose beliefs would be compromised should they be forced to assist, and the patients themselves, it would be better if staff in these situations, were always volunteers.

Austraalian law currently forbids it in every State
Bradford I think you might be wrong there!
Wasn't this topic resolved overwhelmingly here in the affirmative recently?

I feel similarly MissAdventure these things can be difficult to be completely decisive about.

The problem I have with it is that humans are very adaptable.
As their health declines, so they grow accustomed to their new situation - sometimes.

I watched a documentary about a man with locked in syndrome, whose family, in all good faith, and in accordance with his wishes, wanted to allow him to die.

Time was taken by the hospital staff, and then it seemed he could communicate as time wore on.

They did very specific things like asking him did he like soap operas, and worded the question different ways, and his answer was an emphatic "No!" each and every time.

They were able to ask him, further down the line if he wished to be allowed to die, and he didn't. (Although he had always said before his accident that he would never want to live if he was ever badly disabled)