Uncertain where to put this.....

[Cato]

Why not just have people make decisions about their own deaths? Sign what you would like done when you're diagnosed with a disease that would probably have a painful death. That way the decision lies with you.

I assumed this wasn't the case since this is the current mechanism that largely exists today. If DNRs and similar care orders are in place your inheritance problem is non-existent.

[Raeven]

I don't think someone other than the individual should have control over whether or not we choose to die. But we ourselves should be free to say how we choose to die -- much like a living will that simply goes a little further than "no resuscitation, no drastic measures."

Here in the State of Oregon, where I live, we are a Right to Die state. The law permits physicians to prescribe drugs for a patient to commit suicide if they are deemed within 6 months terminal by two doctors. It's not perfect, but it's a start. I am grateful to live in a place that recognizes the importance of having this measure of control over one's own death.

I see no reason why a living will directive couldn't include language such as, "If I am no longer capable to make my wishes known, and it is deemed by my designated caretaker that I no longer enjoy a quality of life such as they are aware I would wish to have, then they may choose to euthanize me. I make this stipulation with a full understanding that they may benefit from my death through inheritance." Or perhaps in this matter, one might choose someone to exercise the right who has no interest in one's estate, removing any stigma from one's heirs.

It is a problem, and yes -- if we can grant such mercy to our pets, surely we can figure out how we might grant such mercy to our loved ones as well.

ETA: LOL, PBB, we were having the same thought simultaneously!

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cato, I disagree. Someone can suffer a very lot before they reach the DNR stage. A very lot, indeed.

[Minimalist]

I remember that dumb twat Palin ranting about Death Panels and thinking, "for once in her fucking life she understands something." Except she was against them instead of for them.

Medicare already reaches a point where patients who cannot be cured have the option for hospice. Palliative care for those who are not going to recover.

[pineapplebunnybounce]

Why not just have people make decisions about their own deaths? Sign what you would like done when you're diagnosed with a disease that would probably have a painful death. That way the decision lies with you.

I assumed this wasn't the case since this is the current mechanism that largely exists today. If DNRs and similar care orders are in place your inheritance problem is non-existent.

DNR isn't the same as euthanasia. Depending on your disease, to even get to the point you need resuscitation is most probably going to be absolute hell.

Euthanasia isn't an option so far, right? Even what Raevan describes is assisted suicide, not euthanasia. There're ways for people to go peacefully if the medical community is willing to help. Deep anesthesia and then death. No pain.

I think the problem isn't so much about inheritance. It's what if you change your mind? Say alzheimer's, at the time of diagnosis, you sign a paper saying at certain stage of the disease, as determined by however many doctors, you'd like to die. What if when you get to that stage you keep saying you don't want to die? Which will do you honour? And how often do you get to change it as your disease progresses?

[Raeven]

I assumed this wasn't the case since this is the current mechanism that largely exists today. If DNRs and similar care orders are in place your inheritance problem is non-existent.

DNR isn't the same as euthanasia. Depending on your disease, to even get to the point you need resuscitation is most probably going to be absolute hell.

Euthanasia isn't an option so far, right? Even what Raevan describes is assisted suicide, not euthanasia. There're ways for people to go peacefully if the medical community is willing to help. Deep anesthesia and then death. No pain.

I think the problem isn't so much about inheritance. It's what if you change your mind? Say alzheimer's, at the time of diagnosis, you sign a paper saying at certain stage of the disease, as determined by however many doctors, you'd like to die. What if when you get to that stage you keep saying you don't want to die? Which will do you honour? And how often do you get to change it as your disease progresses?

I think I actually addressed that further down in my post. And I DID describe a situation where euthanasia could be employed through the express wishes of the individual, through his/her designee.

As for the Alzheimer's situation, if you are not deemed competent to make an informed decision at any point in time -- whether asking to terminate your life or otherwise -- then that would be dispositive.

[pineapplebunnybounce]

DNR isn't the same as euthanasia. Depending on your disease, to even get to the point you need resuscitation is most probably going to be absolute hell.

Euthanasia isn't an option so far, right? Even what Raevan describes is assisted suicide, not euthanasia. There're ways for people to go peacefully if the medical community is willing to help. Deep anesthesia and then death. No pain.

I think the problem isn't so much about inheritance. It's what if you change your mind? Say alzheimer's, at the time of diagnosis, you sign a paper saying at certain stage of the disease, as determined by however many doctors, you'd like to die. What if when you get to that stage you keep saying you don't want to die? Which will do you honour? And how often do you get to change it as your disease progresses?

I think I actually addressed that further down in my post. And I DID describe a situation where euthanasia could be employed through the express wishes of the individual, through his/her designee.

As for the Alzheimer's situation, if you are not deemed competent to make an informed decision at any point in time -- whether asking to terminate your life or otherwise -- then that would be dispositive.

Oh I was referring to the situation your state allows (prescribing drugs for suicide), that probably doesn't qualify as euthanasia. Yea I did read the rest of your post and I largely agree.

When you say dispositive you mean that would be used as evidence that they cannot change the original decision to die because they're deemed incompetent?

[Raeven]

When you say dispositive you mean that would be used as evidence that they cannot change the original decision to die because they're deemed incompetent?

Yes, that's what I meant. In other words, if you made a final directive that permitted someone else to act for you and you were deemed competent at the time you made that directive, then it would control over your objections at a time when were you later changed your mind but were deemed NOT competent. If you were deemed competent at the later time, then of course you could withdraw your initial directive.

[Manowar]

Euthanasia, I agree. My Dad lasted weeks I won't go into details here.

I think Oregon has legalized euthanasia. a step in the right direction

manowar

[Raeven]

No, Manowar, Oregon hasn't legalized euthanasia. Do you ever check a fact?

Oregon, as I said above, is a Right to Die state. That allows an individual to choose to die BY THEIR OWN HAND and physicians to prescribe drugs to accomplish same without fear of being charged with criminal conduct. That's all it does, and certain strict criteria must be met for this to happen. Chiefly, two physicians must certify that the individual seeking to commit suicide suffers from a terminal condition and are likely to die within 6 months. That does little to help those who are not terminal but who no longer enjoy a good quality of life. And euthanasia is a long way off here, too.

Still, it's something. For a good overview of our Die with Dignity Act, there is a film called How To Die in Oregon that is very informative. Surprisingly few people avail themselves of the option, and of those who do, not all end up killing themselves. For some, just having the peace of mind of knowing they CAN control their demise is enough.

[Manowar]

Yeah, I did not check that's why i said "I Think" the show you are speaking about was on HBO, right? I did not see much I just caught a bit of it. It's just a matter of time before it will be legal. You see we agree on something.

manowar