Possible TW - do you see yourself choosing Assisted dying?

[Threefullskips]

I hope this isn't too dark, but I've been thinking a lot about the legal and moral discussions in changing the legislation around assisted dying. And however we feel about it, it will be happening. In the context of NHS strain (and failure) , 'the market' taking care of the needs of elderly and infirm now more than families, properly prices, war on the horizon, increasing economic precarity - in a decade or so, we will all know people who have chosen to die by assisted dying. Is it something you have thought about? I hate to admit it, but I suspect it will be how I choose to go. And it feels like a defeat somehow. I'm perfectly healthy right now! Just looking into possible futures. This is a huge cultural change that will define our century imo. Sorry if this is too dark but I have tried to warn in title, I feel it surely merits a bit of discussion. Not sure what the AIBU is - AIBU to think more than 50% of the population will die this way in 50 years maybe?

Yes, no heroic measure and a calm and peaceful death. We allow our animals to avoid suffering, so I will be avoiding suffering too.

Yes. I’d definitely consider it in certain circumstances and I believe we should all have a right to do so.

I would consider this and I even have a vague idea of how I’d go about doing it, but we need to consider who would have to deal with the body. I definitely see a properly organised assisted death as being more considerate.

Have any of you considered the practical implications of assisted suicide? You are asking a doctor who has sworn to 'do no harm' kill you.
I wouldn't judge anyone with a terminal.illness who chose to overdose on painkillers (or whatever method) but there is no need to bring others into your decision.
It's badly thought out, cowardly and gives no thought to vulnerable people.
No, I would not choose it.

I think the idea is that by letting people die slowly and in pain that sometimes harm is done? Is it 'harmful' to release someone from that if they want to be?

The “harm” is in being a bystander to prolonged, futile suffering.

It depends what the actual practical aspects of AD are. I don't think it is a doctor killing a patient. I think it is more a patient taking their own life with some medical input ( to make sure it is safe and fast etc).
Much like what they do at Dignitas. The patient has full control of the process but they have someone overseeing.

You understand that prolonging life beyond that which is bearable for the person is harmful, right?

This.

IMO AD doesn’t go far enough. Ive already made my DH promise if I get dementia he’ll take me to Switzerland (threshold is once I don’t know who anyone is) as AD only covers the terminally ill.

Yes, definitely. I don’t have any children or family apart from my partner, and my circle of friends is small so no one will miss me, and no one will profit from my death either I suppose.

@TooManyAnimals94 1. doctors are doing more harm by forcing people to take medications to prolong their lives while the patients are in extreme suffering and begging to be allowed to die, like a relative of mine did with dementia, for many many years.
2 Why would you not judge someone with a terminal illness to take an overdose , yet you would judge them to have assisted dying? Either way they are “bringing other people into it.” Someone is going to find the body if they overdose.
3 In what way is it cowardly?

Yes, I don't want to linger on in pain with a crap quality of life.

I believe that once it gets legal, the list of conditions will expand and expand, so 50% in 50 years sounds realistic.

I see the potential for misuse, both in family strongly encouraging someone, or someone feeling too guilty of being a burden/consuming potential inheritance for their own care, but I expect it will go forward anyway.

Absolutely yes. I want the dignified choice if I feel I need it,

Definitely. My eyes were opened when mil died. It was horrific.

No.

Absolutely I would. I almost can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t agree with it. I understand why it can’t be implemented for dementia/Alzheimers but I really wish they could find a way.

I don’t want my girls to have to care for me. I don’t want to put them through any trauma.

my neighbour is 91 years old and has cancer on her face. They are offering her all sorts of mad operations and medications. She has absolutely had enough. She has opted to just leave it alone and let nature take its course and they seem unhappy with this.

I mean, how long do they expect people to live? She’s 91.

Whilst I wouldn’t personally I can understand some of the reasons people do. However my concern with AD is very much the slippery slope issue. In some countries it expanded to include mental health issues as an acceptable reason and certain psychiatrists in Belgium were accused of actively promoting it to people in severe mental anguish. I find this horrendous, how many people have felt desperate and suicidal in their darkest hours only to go on to find happiness and love later in life. It then becomes some dystopian horror if basically murdering problematic people.

No.

Definitely. Too many family members have had alzheimers... although I'm not sure this is covered. I wish I could opt for this now while sound mind so that if I do get alzheimers in the future I can be euthanized.

If I get dementia I am definitely going out before I become a burden - we have a disabled DS, DH has enough on his plate.

I euthanased two dogs this morning and saw a third one that should have been euth'd- he's miserable and is going to die in the very near future, quite possibly with a sudden severe increase in suffering first. I'm going to take a bottle of the stuff with me when I retire, to have handy for a DIY job on myself if it comes to it.

Of course I will. We desperately need it in the UK, and not just for people who are terminally ill. I think it is my fundamental right to be able to choose the time of my own death.

Because assisted suicide guarantees the desired result. "DIY" versions are often not completed - I would hate to attempt suicide, and then wake up.to find I'm still here.