"It really is up to the individual to decide. And there is no certainty of how the individual might evaluate any situation, until they are confronting it".

I think that's exactly it Danielle. But we want that right to decide. We are not talking about unconsenting people being bumped off. That's murder, and any doctor who engaged in such a practice, say murdering a disabled baby as has been cited as happening in Holland, should be charged.

I don't know if I would ever want to access euthanasia. But if things got to be intolerable for me when I was dying, I'd like the option of ducking out of the worst of it. If I was unconscious having expressed this to my family, I'd like my family to do the right thing by me and themselves and let me going quickly.

All the friends who I have known who have died and some who now have conditions that are probably going to get them sooner than later have been fiesty, opininated, and very dis-inclined to take prisoners when someone intrudes on them.

It rather brings a smile to my face to imagine their reaction if when having decided on whatever course of action in their last days, either asking for euthanasia or not, that someone would rock into their hospital room and try to moralise at them either way. Our would be moral saviour would have been verbally flayed even if it took my mate's last breath. So if you don't want to access euthanasia, then don't. But don't try and put barriers in the way of those of us who might.

"I feel uncomfortable about the determination 'quality of life'. Who determines this?"
The person demanding to die.

Add to that, requirement of disability with no prospects of imminent full recovery, before the doctor is allowed to kill them.

Dear David F.,

The point that I was trying to make with
my reference to Democracy was that a
tolerance of criticism and of dissenting
opinions is fundamental to Democracy. Laws
should not be passed simply because it is
the wish of a small minority in parliament.
Everyone is entitled to their private points
of view - but they are not entitled to impose
them on others.

Governing parties must resist
the temptation to equate their own policies
with the national good, or they will tend
to regard opposition as disloyal or even
treasonable.

Of course I agree with you that democracies
must avoid the danger to the "tyranny of
the majority." It is important that government
should recognize the grievances of minorities.
However, a democracy also requires its citizens
to make informed choices.
That's why a debate on the subject of
Euthanasia is vital - and all aspects should
be laid on the table. Citizens need access to
the information they need to make their choices.

And the right to die - should be left to the individual
to make. It should be a matter of individual choice
in this 21st century.

Dear TTM,

I've got news for you...

Euthanasia is already being practiced in some Aged
care facilities and some hospitals - where
certain doctors choose NOT to prolong death.
It's not regulated or advertised. It's done quietly!

Oh gezzz foxy! You have just shot that one in the head. Now if I wanted to die by slipping the doctor a tenner, thanks! Now the friggin cats out of the bag! Smile.

And not only that, every nurse and age care worker will be running out back to burn all the evidence.

God! its hard at the top.

Loudmouth- for incapability to speak, I would consider an expressed will with a witness prior to incapacitation (in the vein of a more formalized 'do not revive' label).
Posted by King Hazza, Thursday, 23 September 2010 12:36:26 AM

'do not revive' label). What the hell are we talking about here?

Look. seriously, Steven Hawkings device will work like a champion.

Just in on the news desk, USA Has had an increase in parental deaths due to mums and dads living too long. Your right Joe! That book of yours in going to come in handy.

TTM>

Dear TTM,

Love your sense of humour!

Foxy! Love your balance and great sence of judgment.
It will always be treasured
and as time goes by
will all be as well
as we think, or can
the world be as one?

We will see.

Good luck

TT