Euthanasia Case

Reading the chapters for this unit brought up so many emotions for me. As I stated previously in my earlier discussions Euthanasia is a topic that is very near to me. I believe that giving people the opportunity to stop their suffering and to end it mercifully is the one last sacrifice that we can give. If we had a dog that was sick or injured and suffering would we step back and let it continue to suffer or would we be, what I consider to be, humane and euthanize the animal to stop the suffering.

The hard thing for me is - who decides what the level of suffering is before doing something to end that suffering. Why does someone have the right or the say to determine whether or not I am suffering enough and should be put out of my misery? Why isn't my decision all that it takes? Why does some law or ethics board have the right to tell me that I have more left in me and I can "suck it up" and keep going?

I know after watching my Dad succumb to a long, painful illness thirty two years ago that I do not want to go through something like that. I want someone to honor my wishes and allow me to die with dignity and mercy. Is euthanasia really any different than a living will or advanced directive? A living will and/or advanced directive basically tells people what situations you are willing to receive medical care for. Doesn't with holding medical care in some cases inevitably result in death? Could this be considered a form of euthanasia or mercy killing?

My Dad was diagnosed six months before he died. During that time he was in extreme pain because of the metastatic disease. He slipped into a coma several times only to wake up and come home then repeat the painful cycle all over again. Deep down I believe that mercy was taken on my Dad and our family because the last time he went into the hospital we were told that they would not let him suffer anymore.

Will there ever come a time when we pass a law that allows an individual the right to determine their journey? I hope that I am around to see that happen.