Euthanasia! your opinions needed please

Published

  1. Euthanasia/assisted suicide

    • 13
      Are you against it?
    • 59
      Are you for it?
    • 4
      Or are you undecided?

76 members have participated

Hi there I am a 3rd year nursing student. Our class at university have been asked to compile a debate for and against euthanasia/assisted suicide, our class has been divided into two groups and I have been placed in the group for. I have been appointed as one of the main speakers to argue our case and this is where I ask for your help. I would be very grateful if anyone can post their opinions on this matter and their reasons why? It can be for or against but because I am on the for team I would love to see if anyone agrees with it. I personally agree with some aspects of it but I am on the fence due to it being such a sensitive issue. The results from this post will be used in the debate but just the numbers of people not details etc... So opinions are very welcome thank you for reading, much appreciated.

Your life, your choice.

It is also a lot more economically sound to let someone choose to die as opposed to allowing the slow and painful death.

This might sound like an extremist POV, but if a healthy person of sound mind at any age wants to take the plunge, I don't see any reason to oppose the person.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I have always opposed both euthanasia and assisted suicide because of my religious beliefs. But now, with a husband of 35 years who is dying from pancreatic cancer, I am having to look at assisted suicide in a different light. We're bringing in hospice now, because he's tired from 2 1/2 years of fighting and otherwise he's facing an even tougher regimen of chemotherapy because the other drugs stopped working. But if he were to decide he wants control over how he dies, I'd have to support him. I've seen too many cases of terminal agitation not to know that sometimes, end-of-life symptoms cannot be managed adequately with the available medications. He's already been through so much...I just want him to have quality of life at this point, and if he can't have that, quantity isn't worth the agony.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry.
I have always opposed both euthanasia and assisted suicide because of my religious beliefs. But now, with a husband of 35 years who is dying from pancreatic cancer, I am having to look at assisted suicide in a different light. We're bringing in hospice now, because he's tired from 2 1/2 years of fighting and otherwise he's facing an even tougher regimen of chemotherapy because the other drugs stopped working. But if he were to decide he wants control over how he dies, I'd have to support him. I've seen too many cases of terminal agitation not to know that sometimes, end-of-life symptoms cannot be managed adequately with the available medications. He's already been through so much...I just want him to have quality of life at this point, and if he can't have that, quantity isn't worth the agony.

(((((gentle hugs)))))

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have always opposed both euthanasia and assisted suicide because of my religious beliefs. But now, with a husband of 35 years who is dying from pancreatic cancer, I am having to look at assisted suicide in a different light. We're bringing in hospice now, because he's tired from 2 1/2 years of fighting and otherwise he's facing an even tougher regimen of chemotherapy because the other drugs stopped working. But if he were to decide he wants control over how he dies, I'd have to support him. I've seen too many cases of terminal agitation not to know that sometimes, end-of-life symptoms cannot be managed adequately with the available medications. He's already been through so much...I just want him to have quality of life at this point, and if he can't have that, quantity isn't worth the agony.

I am glad you will have hospice come and help you and your husband! I took care of patients as a home hospice nurse and we were always able to control pain and suffering at home. There are many options including iv /sc pain meds through a pump, there is also palliative sedation to relief suffering that can not be controlled otherwise.

I wish you a lot of strength and send good thoughts your way!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

threads merged

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have always opposed both euthanasia and assisted suicide because of my religious beliefs. But now, with a husband of 35 years who is dying from pancreatic cancer, I am having to look at assisted suicide in a different light. We're bringing in hospice now, because he's tired from 2 1/2 years of fighting and otherwise he's facing an even tougher regimen of chemotherapy because the other drugs stopped working. But if he were to decide he wants control over how he dies, I'd have to support him. I've seen too many cases of terminal agitation not to know that sometimes, end-of-life symptoms cannot be managed adequately with the available medications. He's already been through so much...I just want him to have quality of life at this point, and if he can't have that, quantity isn't worth the agony.

((((((((((Vivalasviejas)))))))))))

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Hi I am a 3rd year nursing student and our class has been given the task of compiling a debate on euthanasia and assisted suicide. I have been placed in team that has to argue for it and so I am asking if people can comment their opinions on this matter and state if you agree or not. Thank you.

It's supposed to be the opinions of you and your group. Not everyone who posts here is a nurse, so you can't be sure of whom you're talking to. You could be talking to a layperson, for all you know.

Do the work of talking within your group. I'm sure there will be more than enough opinions to finish your assignment. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm not sure what you mean by "perceived problem". Is there any other way to define misery other than how it's perceived?

Sounds like you understand it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Trach Care, Diabetes.

This is a difficult topic. I think your class should've let each person decide what side to be on and not forced a point to argue for or against. The whole problem is that we have for many decades prolonged lives instead of letting them die in a more natural way. Just look at all the maintenance drugs we have to push; cholesterol, BP lowering meds, anti-Alzheimers agents, plus all the surgeries like CABG, angioplasties. Many of these people would have had a shorter life BUT a Better quality of life. We push all of these interventions and for what so that they can lay bed-ridden post stroke or heart attack? While these measures to prolong life had mostly good intentions they are leading us onto the path to euthanasia. I too am torn on this subject because suicide is a sin to my God. But I would never allow my animals to suffer as someone else said. I look at it like this, abortion is legal (with some stipulations according to state laws) I will go ahead and say this should be a states issue and should be voted on by the populace. That is the great thing about living here if you do not like the laws in your state you are Free to move where the laws more suit your needs. My argument would be that medical advancements created the need for euthanasia/mercy killings. Good luck, let us all know how your debate goes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in kids.
I have always opposed both euthanasia and assisted suicide because of my religious beliefs. But now, with a husband of 35 years who is dying from pancreatic cancer, I am having to look at assisted suicide in a different light. We're bringing in hospice now, because he's tired from 2 1/2 years of fighting and otherwise he's facing an even tougher regimen of chemotherapy because the other drugs stopped working. But if he were to decide he wants control over how he dies, I'd have to support him. I've seen too many cases of terminal agitation not to know that sometimes, end-of-life symptoms cannot be managed adequately with the available medications. He's already been through so much...I just want him to have quality of life at this point, and if he can't have that, quantity isn't worth the agony.

Ugh... tough days for you and he....in my thoughts Viva

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I have always opposed both euthanasia and assisted suicide because of my religious beliefs. But now, with a husband of 35 years who is dying from pancreatic cancer, I am having to look at assisted suicide in a different light. We're bringing in hospice now, because he's tired from 2 1/2 years of fighting and otherwise he's facing an even tougher regimen of chemotherapy because the other drugs stopped working. But if he were to decide he wants control over how he dies, I'd have to support him. I've seen too many cases of terminal agitation not to know that sometimes, end-of-life symptoms cannot be managed adequately with the available medications. He's already been through so much...I just want him to have quality of life at this point, and if he can't have that, quantity isn't worth the agony.

So sorry, Marla.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I have always opposed both euthanasia and assisted suicide because of my religious beliefs. But now, with a husband of 35 years who is dying from pancreatic cancer, I am having to look at assisted suicide in a different light. We're bringing in hospice now, because he's tired from 2 1/2 years of fighting and otherwise he's facing an even tougher regimen of chemotherapy because the other drugs stopped working. But if he were to decide he wants control over how he dies, I'd have to support him. I've seen too many cases of terminal agitation not to know that sometimes, end-of-life symptoms cannot be managed adequately with the available medications. He's already been through so much...I just want him to have quality of life at this point, and if he can't have that, quantity isn't worth the agony.

(((Viva))) hugs to you and positive vibes during this difficult time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion