The Suicide Tourist

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I just finished watching a Frontline documentary called "The Suicide Tourist" which followed a man that was diagnosed with ALS and was seeking assisted suicide in Switzerland. I found it very interesting and learned quite a bit. I was under the impression that a medication was administered to the person but it is actually poured in a glass and the person must drink it on their own. The only thing that the facilitator can do is to hold the glass if the person can not hold it on their own.

In the documentary it also said that there are three states in the U.S.A. that have physician assisted suicide programs. Is anyone familiar with any of these programs? Or perhaps has worked in one before?

I highly recommend watching this documentary. It is available on Netflix right now.

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Specializes in Dialysis, Home health.

"Thou shalt not kill"- our creator

Funny how we choose to deliberately disobey the Lord of Hosts. Especially when the consequences are so straight forward. Of course "we" twist together a rationale for it..even saying "we" aren't killing..just making it easier for those that want to.."

Ironically, there is a "Good Samaritan" law...

:confused:

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"Thou shalt not kill"- our creator

Funny how we choose to deliberately disobey the Lord of Hosts. Especially when the consequences are so straight forward. Of course "we" twist together a rationale for it..even saying "we" aren't killing..just making it easier for those that want to.."

Ironically, there is a "Good Samaritan" law...

:confused:

I highly doubt this thread was intended to debate the right or wrong of suicide nor physician assistant suicide. Nor was the OP advocating or protesting. So what gives?

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.
"Thou shalt not kill"- our creator

Funny how we choose to deliberately disobey the Lord of Hosts. Especially when the consequences are so straight forward. Of course "we" twist together a rationale for it..even saying "we" aren't killing..just making it easier for those that want to.."

Ironically, there is a "Good Samaritan" law...

:confused:

Woa, my nursing education prepared me to be understanding to others religions or lack there of. Because this person does not share your same spirituality.......just food for thought.

I just "killed" someone by honoring their wishes and withdrew life support on them and helped to provide a peaceful death. :redbeathe

Op, I'm not sure, but check out Oregon or washington state.

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I am aware that this is a very controversial topic but am really just interested in learning more about the subject. I can make up my own mind about the morality of assisted suicide so everyone try to leave your opinions at the door. In the words of Joe Friday, "Just the facts, ma'am."

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, ER, Peds ER-CPEN.

I'll have to look into this more, it sounds very interesting, will be back later after viewing :)

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I went to school in Illinois, and I think I remember one of my instructors saying the state BON declared that nurses must professionally be against assissted suicide...maybe I'm not remembering that exactly...

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Specializes in Dialysis, Home health.

To all the evil doers...

I tend to look at the heart of a matter. Whether or not it is performed or allowed in whatever state, it is our duty to examine the righteousness of a matter and live thereby. So regardless of the obvious guilt- ridden comment, the Word of God stands sure.

And to the OP, regardless of the intent of the thread, God is the head of ALL things and He is appropriate in EVERY conversation. If any one else chooses not to acknowledge Him in every walk of life, then it is between you & God...don't argue with me. I am just another voice of reminder that He has given eyes to see. You are willingly blind & ignorant, and choose the paths of death rather than life. This will be your judgement.

There are a billion posts that I could respond to in the same manner, but I was led to respond on this one."He that has an ear let him hear".

If not, let the blind lead the blind..you will both fall in the ditch.

Don't shoot the messenger...but of course, it's just "my opinion".

No..actually...it's the instruction of your God..whether you like it or not.

Keep in mind..I'm not against any of you..just the spirit you allow to drive you

:redbeathe

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Specializes in Dialysis, Home health.
Woa, my nursing education prepared me to be understanding to others religions or lack there of. Because this person does not share your same spirituality.......just food for thought.

I just "killed" someone by honoring their wishes and withdrew life support on them and helped to provide a peaceful death. :redbeathe

Op, I'm not sure, but check out Oregon or washington state.

I suppose your "Education" will save your soul in the end.

So smart..

It's that same deception that keeps your soul on a fast pace to the pit.:devil:

There is room at the cross for you too.

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Don't shoot the messenger...but of course, it's just "my opinion".

No..actually...it's the instruction of your God..whether you like it or not.

And how exactly is it that you know that YOUR God is the God of everyone else's beliefs?

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And here we go! *bolts self to rocker for the impending storm*

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I watched this documentary earlier in the year on PBS and agree that it was very good and well worth watching if you are at all curious about the process or what makes a person choose this path. I also enjoyed this article from a UK doctor who once opposed but now supports assisted suicide (link was posted on http://thesuicidetourist.com/blog/).

I believe Oregon, Washington and Montana are the three states where it is legal in the US.

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