[valiumcheepval]

There hasn't been a debate on this yet, so let's start one.

Do you think that the old, infirmed and terminally ill have the right to 'die with dignity'?

In Australia quite a few years ago, there was a case about Dr Kavorkian.

He assisted terminally ill patients to end their own lives when their suffering became unbearable.

He eventually got stripped of his medical qualifications and got charged with manslaughter/assisting suicide.

Personally, I believe that people have the right to die if there's no hope for a cure/treatment for their terminal disease and they are placing a huge burden on society by being kept alive.

Not to mention how these poor souls must feel inside....totally helpless and dependent on others for their most basic needs. It's very sad to see a once proud, independent person totally 'lose the plot' when alzheimers and/or cancer sets in.

Morally, killing people is very wrong and there are laws against it. Compassionately, it seems to be the right/only thing to do.

If I see an animal that has just been hit by a car with its guts hanging out and it's still alive, I will make sure to finish the job. I have had to do this a few times and I get really sad and upset, but I know I am doing the right thing.

Human beings are more advanced than animals, but I feel the premise is exactly the same.
When a doctor takes the 'Hippocratic Oath', part of that is to ease the suffering of humanity.

I just hope that I can be afforded that 'luxury' when the time comes.

Your thoughts please.