Heartbreaking. Inspiring.

[Mudhammam]

29-year-old Brittany Maynard is ending her life November 1st with dignity rather than let her brain cancer kill her slowly and painfully, an option only five states in the U.S. currently allow. I can't even imagine the amount of courage it would take to make a decision such as this. Her testimonial is profoundly impactful:

http://6abc.com/health/why-29-year-old-b...fe/340551/

[Minimalist]

Indeed. What a way to take charge.

[Violet]

I can't even imagine the amount of courage it would take to make a decision such as this.

Suffer horrendously as your health fails and your loved ones have to watch your body slowly shut down...

Or end it with dignity, and with relative painlessness. It's not exactly Sophie's Choice.

[Mudhammam]

You're right, Alice, it's a walk in the park.

[Violet]

You're right, Alice, it's a walk in the park.

* Violet shudders, her shoulders tensing up in apprehension. If she had hair, it'd be bristling.

I... still remember... what the park did to Dave... w-why... you... why did you bring that up!? Someone's gotta fucking save this woman! AIN'T NOBODY GONNA GET 'ET BY THE MONKEY BARS 'GAIN, I SWEAR! I SWEAAARRR!!!! I PROMISED DAVE!

---

Seriously, though... I respect her decision. I just don't think it's a difficult one to make... she doesn't want to die, but she's been left with no option to live. It's a hard one to live with (cuz, you know)... but it's among the most admirable things she can do with her remaining time.

I like that she's raising awareness of this issue as she passes on her torch.

[robvalue]

I'm all for the legal right to choose to end your life in a dignified way. It is indeed a very brave thing to do.

How dare other people tell you that you have to live no matter how much you are suffering, or what you know you will face.

This is the only way in which animals are treated better than humans, we don't let them suffer.

[Dolorian]

Brave.

There seems to be a concern about this issue (physician assisted suicide) raised by those who are against it. It involves insurance companies and the fear that if this is made legal, it will eventually lead to healthcare providers suggesting this option to people on a purely financial basis (for the sake of savings) and that people who are not perceived to add value to society, such as the chronically ill, will eventually be "targeted" for euthanasia. These sort of companies are known for their greed, so it is easy to see how they could fall into that sort of thinking.

I am basically paraphrasing some comments that I've seen on this story, I think it is something to think about.

[robvalue]

Sure, it's the slippery slope argument. I've heard people say that if you allow this, everyone will just be murdering each other in the street.

But yeah, all aspects have to be considered and it must be done properly.

[bladevalant546]

Honor on her to face death with Courage. I too have the same feelings, I rather die than become a shadow of my former self. Die with dignity and honor.

[Chad32]

I say the more control over your body and your life, the better.