Suicide: whose decision is it?

Originally posted by: DonnaHarvey

Warning: The following post or comments you are about to read may contain trigger words concerning end of life decisions.

Euthanasia,
palliative care and end of life are difficult questions a family may be faced
with given a bleak prognosis.

Some
European countries including Denmark and Switzerland allow for assisted suicide
if the patient is "conscious" and in the "correct frame of
mind" to make his/her end of life decisions. Switzerland is the only
country where patients who are not citizens can apply to be considered for
assisted death.

For
those not so fortunate (either mentally ill/ unstable or unconscious), the only
option left is non-resuscitation agreements by family and/or being taken off
life support.

Do
you think assisted suicide programs such as those in Denmark and Switzerland
should be legalized in India (or wherever you live)?

No 😲 Many children find their old parents to be a burden and may use it to get them out of their way

If
yes:

Should
brain disorders (such as Dementia and Alzheimer's) and debilitating but
otherwise non-life threatening illnesses be included in such a program? Or,
should anyone (upon passing medical tests) be allowed to die if the wish? Where
does one draw the line?

If the person is mentally unsound he cannot make that decision. How far do we trust the next of kin to make that decision 😕

If
the patient refuses allopathic treatment (or any treatment) after prolonged
illness, should he/she be "left to die" (harsh words, I have heard
them before)? When is it okay to shift the focus on to palliative care? When we
are all out of options or earlier if the patient so desires?

This could be considered as a prolonged treatment could be undesirable

Originally posted by: zorrro

No 😲 Many children find their old parents to be a burden and may use it to get them out of their way

I do not know how big of an issue this is. Why? Because recently an Ottawa couple left their adult autistic son to the care of the province and the services accepted him (with reluctance). That is here though. I am not sure about how it works in India but I do know that children are not legally obliged to take care of their parents. They do so for property reasons or just out of love.

The assisted suicide programs I am talking about ONLY allow for this if the person wanting to die himself/herself asks for death. They are regularly assessed to make sure they are not under pressure or mentally ill. So, this kids getting rid of parents would not apply.

If the person is mentally unsound he cannot make that decision. How far do we trust the next of kin to make that decision 😕

Agree. Alzeimers and Dementia do allow for some time in the initial stages when the person functions normally. This is why people who choose the suicide route have to die when they are still healthy because they cannot make the decision when the diseases takes over. Sad but true.

This could be considered as a prolonged treatment could be undesirable

??? I am not sure what you mean. What is this? Palliative care or assisted suicide?

I am genuinely confused. Please explain if you can. Thanks.

Originally posted by: Krani

If a patient is refusing treatment, you can't force them to have it. Medical advice will be given, once again counsellors and psychologists will come to help you form a decision, and if in the end you still refuse treatment, then that is your decision.

~K

Originally posted by: DonnaHarvey

I agree with pretty much everything you said. So, I will onlyreply to this iffy issue.

Here is why: even in psych wards where people with serious mental illnesses are experiencing psychosis, they can refuse treatment. A schizophrenic can say no to her medication. This bothers me because maybe psychosis and not the person herself is choosing to say no. We will never know.

Another time, a minor was diagnosed with advanced stage cancer and his parents refused allopathic treatment and took him out to some herbal clinic. The court force the child back to the hospital. Debate storm followed.

In cases where the person is sane, it is entirely their decision and I am okay with that. Simply going under the knife too many times can be exhausting. I am scared the generalization of these laws can prove detrimental.

Originally posted by: DonnaHarvey

Originally posted by: Summer3

Well whole problem is that the patient wants to go but the family keeps waiting for a miracle.

But if the condition is curable over time then perhaps the patient should be asked to hang on a bit longer.

Personally I would like to go earlier rather than suffer the torture of being bed ridden.