Encyclopedia of Death and Dying

[little wing]

Has anyone taken a pet to their vet recently, and was told that their pet would need to be put to sleep? Why then, do you think, we do so much less in this country for terminally ill patients?

I'd like to know if you think that this is a moral, or spiritual decision.

What makes me ask this question, is that I have viewed life support removed from people who are completely aware of what is going on. They were allowed to die, suffering.

In a case where the patient is alert and aware, would it not be kinder to place this person into a medically induced coma before removing life support?

Please give me your views and, I will be sure to check back often.

Little Wing

[bellashira]

Little Wing wrote: "In a case where the patient is alert and aware, would it not be kinder to place this person into a medically induced coma before removing life support?"

You have an excellent point. We put out pets out of their misery when they're suffering, why would we not want to do the same for people we love? If someone is suffering and there's no getting back to a life with quality, they should be able to decide when enough is enough and leave the world in a dignified manner.

[coberst]

I suspect that this issue of old age and dying will slowly force itself into the consciousness of our (USA) nation because it will become an economic problem of great force.

I suspect that religion is the primary force that inhibits our ability to face this matter in a rational way.

We must, I think, become a great deal more intellectually sophisticated before we can approach a solution that is humane and sophisticated.

I for one would like to join forces with other like minded individuals in an attempt to enlighten the population about this matter.

Do you know of any organized effort in this regard?

[suzie_c.]

i strongly agree with the comment above me. this nation claims to be free however, we are not free to decide when we have had enough pain.

if one is dieing and there is no saving them, then why set back and do nothing when they say how bad they are hurting. they deserve the right, no the freedom to say rather or not they want to drag it out or go by will.

just another unethical way for mankind to run from reality by cowering behind religion and so called morel. i for one would want the right to chose when it is my time to go. who out there wouldn't when caught in a physical form of hell?