When it comes to moral questions then we should listen to everyone Paul.
There are no experts in morality, so Andrew's view point is just a valid as Ralph's.

Although he doesn't mention himself - the CEO of another meddling NGO (in the lives and deaths of others) in the list of who I would eat dinner with - Paul Russell would NOT sit at my table.

I don't know what makes a "highly trained palliative care specialist", but that person would obviously have a vested interest in keeping alive people who would rather be dead.

Andrew Denton is not just a 'comedian'; he is a human being with opinions. He does NOT "assault (my) sensibilities" . Paul Rusell and his ilk DO assault my sensibilities. They also assault the rights of others to hold an opinion. And, Russells jibe at Nitchke's (maybe) try at comedy is a very, very cheap and nasty shot.

As for palliative care. Rubbish! What about the Alzheimer's sufferer who doesn't wish to spend the last period of life as a vegetable in a nursing home, wearing nappies, unable to do anything for his or herself, waiting to die while medical 'expert' charges to walk up to the bed occasionally. And the outrageous charges on the family by the nursing home, which the 'experts' could have shares in.

Paul Russell invites us to: " Call me self-interested", and so Paul Russell, I am calling you self interested. You are interested in your position/standing. You are intersted in "HOPE", without which you would lose both. And you are interested in how your family will go out - nothing about YOU or how your family thinks. You are 'full of it', man.

Hooray! At last a good article on assisted suicide. Cobber,not everyone shares your blind relativism.

Sell's mine is simple i think people have a right to decide for themselves.

You clearly believe that you have the right to decide for us based on your beliefs.

Hi ttbn,

I always wait for someone, in these interminable (excuse the pun) discussions about euthanasia, to get onto advanced Alzheimer's and sure enough, you oblige. Thank you. So you think that people without the mental ability to decide should have their death decided for them ? Out of concern for their human dignity, of course ?

And then there is the 'unrelievable pain' argument. From what I'm told by doctors, there is very little evidence that such actually occurs. Of course, pain may be present but after all, but it's all relative: if one's pain can be reduced from a perceived nine or ten out of ten, down to three or four out of ten, or even less, then one may feel that the lower level is quite bearable, and welcome. So I'm not really sure I believe such claims.

I've seen only a few people die, but all of them went peacefully, thanks to medication and to the wonderful palliative care staff. As an atheist, I believe that this life is our one and only, so we should drain it to the last drops as much as possible, even if I get Alzheimer's. If some jealous husband doesn't get me first when I'm ninety - at least, that's my fantasy.

Joe

Laughter is often the best medicine. As is having a reason to live! Happy people content with their lot and a healthy sex life, rarely give in to despair, and in many well reported cases beat the professional verdict!

A friend visiting just this morning told me of a young man recovering from a stroke, gave in and quit hoping? Well it is a long process, and hung himself!I just can't imagine he had nothing whatsoever to live for, but then I'm not him nor do I have his friends or "lover".

Everyone has a limit on what they able to tolerate before going mad. I have tinnitus, which for me is a screaming kettle going off 24/7 in my head. Possibly something to do with the brain tumor they seem to have discovered in my head. I have strategies that help such as always leaving a radio on or playing music, sometimes just a little too loud?

Many succumb to the endless noise and just find a way to end it all?

Everything I eat tastes like crap, my libido is missing in action. In fact almost anything that used to give me even a tiny bit of pleasure, except music and a few favorite movies, is yesterday's news; along with the fickle female who promised paradise and delivered a gulag.

So I can understand why people stop hoping for a positive outcome, and just hand over to the nearest self confessed palliative care expert, who knows just how to painlessly usher them into the hereafter!

Who we need to listen to is ourselves and what we want from medicine? So be sure to make a living will so you get what YOU want, knowing if you have a change of heart, even at the 11th hour, your wishes are paramount!
Rhrosty.