' I feel there is a spark of decency and compassion in every human being. It may be hard to bring it out, but I think it’s there.'

David f

I have no disagreement with this statement. I also believe that each and every human has a price. Once a man sat next to a pretty young girl on a plane. He offered her a million dollars to spend the night. At first she was disgusted and horrified. After thinking it over she agreed to the mans request. Just before landing he said to her that he had changed his mind. He was only prepared to offer her $10. What do you think I am she protested in anger. That has already been established madam, he said, we are only arguing about the price. Jesus was the only One never up for sale.

.

Dear Foxy,

.

Euthanasia is a personal decision which each individual should organise and carry out under his or her own, sole responsibility, without exception.

In the absence of any clear indication or guidance from your mother in this respect, there is not much you can do about it.

If circumstances were such that you felt compelled to take the matter into your own hands, then, I’m afraid that, under the current state of our laws in Australia, you would be exposing yourself to a possible criminal charge of homicide – though the courts have tended to be somewhat indulgent with defendants over recent years, depending, of course, on the circumstances :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthanasia_in_Australia#Current-situation

My wife and I share David F’s approach to euthanasia. You might like to read an article I wrote on the subject that was later picked up by The Greens and included as submission 133 in their “Exposure draft of the Medical Services (Dying with Dignity) Bill 2014” :

http://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=c1447c7d-6904-4d9e-a7d6-a67edd6fb115&subId=300148

With my very best wishes for as warm and gentle a future as possible for you and your mother, Foxy. You will both be in my thoughts – and I am sure I am not the only one, here on OLO.

.

.

Dear Foxy,

.

A little heart-warming encouragement from Europe :

http://youtu.be/Yfwlj0gba_k

.

Thank You all for contributing to this debate.

I realise that there are many sides to this discussion
and I appreciate so much your inputs.

Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews according to The Age
has stated that Victoria is failing to allow people
with incurable conditions a dignified death and that the
state must have a conversation about euthanasia. The Age
tells us that more than half of Mr Andrews' Cabinet has
declared support for euthanasia indicating that Victoria
could be poised to introduce laws that would make it the
first Australian state to legalise the practice.

Mr Andrews said the recent death from cancer of his father
had challenged his previously held views against it.
He pointed out that if we search our conscience and we
search our own personal experience - we should come up with
what we feel is right for us and our loved ones. Most
importantly - we should be giving all the support, love, and
care that every person should be entitled to in the final
stages of their lives. What that support is will depend on
our personal circumstances.

Once again - Thank You for all your inputs, your honesty, and
openness. It helps a great deal. And is greatly appreciated.

Dear runner,

I believe that if Jesus existed and is not a complete myth that he had both a spark of goodness and a price like everyone else.

I've been reading a bit more on the proposed voluntary
euthanasia laws in Victoria. It seems that the laws will
only include the terminally ill. Which I guess excludes
those in severe pain, who are not dying.

I read about people in Canada who starved themselves so
that they would qualify for euthanasia. That seems very
cruel. The Premier and his Cabinet should look at what its
going to do before it passes any laws - Canada is one
example to examine. Should people who are suffering but not
dying - be excluded?